attacks of conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attacks of conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe moments of guilt or moral conflict that someone experiences, often leading to self-reflection or regret. Example: "After realizing the impact of his actions, he was plagued by attacks of conscience that kept him awake at night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Justice Kennedy said women who undergo the procedure were liable to attacks of conscience.

The New York Times

It's a little late for Mr. Westin's attacks of conscience as he tries to lure "the DiCaprio generation," as he calls it, so that ABC can get some sponsors for the evening news other than Preparation H and Viagra.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The same goes for his sudden attack of conscience, which causes his final task to go badly awry.

The New Yorker

Necessity, rather than an unexpected attack of conscience, will be the driving force behind this transition to a circular economy.

The Guardian

At the end of the movie, Senator Paine has an attack of conscience and confesses to everything.

The New Yorker

But then Greg Smith comes bounding up the court, fire in his eyes and an acute attack of conscience in his gut.

The New York Times

In "Crimes," the murderer, Judah, is an opthamologist who initially suffers pangs of guilt set off by "little sparks by his religious background," but in the end is blissfully freed from any attack of conscience.

The New York Times

Penny (Kaley Cuoco) gives vintage "Star Trek" collectibles to her friends as a thank you, but Sheldon Jim Parsonss) has an attack of conscience after he breaks a toy belonging to Leonard Johnny Galeckii).

The New York Times

Wise heads often urged second thoughts because an assassin, once the deed had been committed, would be in a position to extort blackmail -- or worse, suffer an attack of conscience and go to the newspapers.

The New York Times

These include the noirish account of a boxer-turned-henchman's attack of conscience; a grim, luridly drawn tale of revenge; and a pleasingly spare story of middle-class despair.

The Guardian - Books

Michael Colby Jones is an angry, self-absorbed Lancelot who rails at everyone, right on up to the Almighty -- "How dare he challenge me, this God, for you?" he yells as he tries to beat back an attack of conscience in Guinevere.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attacks of conscience", ensure the context clearly indicates the actions or situations that trigger these feelings.

Common error

Don't use "attacks of conscience" to describe minor regrets. This phrase implies a significant moral or ethical conflict causing substantial distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attacks of conscience" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the experience of feeling strong guilt or moral remorse after an action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attacks of conscience" describes a period of intense guilt or moral conflict following an action, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and usable, it's important to distinguish it from simple regret. Occurring most frequently in news and media, its neutral register makes it suitable for describing serious internal conflicts. Alternatives such as "pangs of guilt" or "moral qualms" can offer similar meanings, but "attacks of conscience" carries a stronger sense of emotional distress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pangs of guilt

Focuses specifically on the sharp, sudden feelings of guilt.

moral qualms

Emphasizes doubts or hesitations related to moral principles.

waves of remorse

Highlights the deep sorrow and regret associated with past actions.

guilty conscience

A general state of feeling guilty or troubled by one's actions.

moral conflict

Describes the internal struggle between different moral values.

ethical dilemmas

Focuses on difficult situations that require a choice between conflicting ethical principles.

feelings of compunction

Highlights a sense of regret or moral uneasiness.

remorseful feelings

General feeling of being remorseful

inner turmoil

Describes the internal confusion and distress caused by moral conflict.

self-reproach

Emphasizes the act of blaming or criticizing oneself for past actions.

FAQs

How can I use "attacks of conscience" in a sentence?

You can use "attacks of conscience" to describe a period of intense guilt or moral questioning, such as: "After betraying his friend, he suffered from "attacks of conscience"."

What's a good substitute for "attacks of conscience"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "pangs of guilt", "moral qualms", or "waves of remorse".

Is it better to say "attack of conscience" or "attacks of conscience"?

"Attack of conscience" typically refers to a single instance, while "attacks of conscience" refers to repeated or ongoing experiences of guilt. Both can be correct depending on what you want to convey.

What distinguishes "attacks of conscience" from a general feeling of regret?

"Attacks of conscience" imply a more profound and disruptive experience than simple regret. It suggests a deep moral conflict that causes significant emotional distress.