bear the guilt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bear the guilt" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe a feeling of remorse or shame for something that one has done wrong. For example, "He had no choice but to bear the guilt of his actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"My family was very young and I couldn't bear the guilt of leaving them for months.

The Guardian

Maurice Robine New York, Feb. 23, 2010 To the Editor: I would like Shannon P. Meehan to know that he does not bear the guilt for the tragic and wrongful deaths of that innocent family alone.

The New York Times

At most you may be asked to buy a drink, but as I found in seven nights of budget-conscious concert hopping, waitresses and tip jars can be avoided, if you can bear the guilt.

The New York Times - Arts

However, unable to bear the guilt, Marge eats the poisoned pie, much to Homer's horror.

Wikipedia

I will bear the guilt if any harm comes to the one who is still alive.

Huffington Post

Midwives would perceive abortion as a work task if it were legalized, and would not feel compromised conducting it, but a reluctance to bear the guilt of killing and a fear of being judged by God as well as by society were present amongst some of the providers.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He bears the guilt of the culpable outsider.

The Guardian - Film

And for 40 years he bore the guilt of the death he caused in Chappaquiddick in 1969.

The New York Times

The bureaucrats, politicians and industrialists of what has been called Japan's "nuclear village" were not unaccountable apparatchiks in a decaying authoritarian state like those that bore the guilt of Chernobyl; they had responsibilities to voters, to shareholders, to society.

The Economist

Every president since Jimmy Carter bears the guilt of this abject failure,* as do each of us.

Huffington Post

While black America bears the mental and physical scars of racism, white America bears the guilt of perpetuating racism through ouR silence.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bear the guilt", ensure the context clearly identifies the source or cause of the guilt to enhance clarity and impact. For example, specify 'bear the guilt of a broken promise' or 'bear the guilt for past mistakes'.

Common error

Avoid using "bear the guilt" when the individual or entity did not have direct involvement or responsibility. Instead, use phrases like 'feel sympathy' or 'acknowledge the situation' to convey empathy without implying culpability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear the guilt" functions as a verb phrase, where "bear" acts as a transitive verb taking "the guilt" as its direct object. It describes the act of enduring or carrying the emotional burden of guilt, as supported by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bear the guilt" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of enduring the emotional burden of guilt. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While not exceptionally frequent, its usage conveys a sense of responsibility and regret. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies the source of guilt to enhance its impact. Consider alternative phrases like "carry the weight of guilt" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carry the weight of guilt

Emphasizes the burden and heaviness associated with feeling guilty.

shoulder the burden of guilt

Highlights the act of taking on and supporting the responsibility for feeling guilty.

live with the guilt

Focuses on the ongoing experience of existing alongside feelings of guilt.

endure the guilt

Emphasizes the act of persevering through the difficult emotion of guilt.

accept responsibility for the guilt

Highlights the act of acknowledging and taking ownership of the guilt.

suffer the consequences of guilt

Focuses on the negative outcomes and hardships resulting from feeling guilty.

atone for the guilt

Highlights the attempt to make amends or compensate for actions that caused the guilt.

face the music for the guilt

Emphasizes the act of confronting the consequences and judgment associated with guilt.

reap the rewards of the guilt

Highlights the act of taking ownership of the actions caused by the guilt.

embrace the pain of guilt

Focuses on the emotion of guilt.

FAQs

What does "bear the guilt" mean?

The phrase "bear the guilt" means to endure or carry the feeling of responsibility and remorse for a wrongdoing or mistake.

How can I use "bear the guilt" in a sentence?

You can use "bear the guilt" to describe someone who is experiencing deep regret or shame. For example, 'After the accident, he had to "live with the guilt" for the rest of his life'.

What is a synonym for "bear the guilt"?

A synonym for "bear the guilt" is to "shoulder the burden of guilt", which implies taking on the weight and responsibility for a wrongdoing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "bear the guilt"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "bear the guilt". The phrase is commonly used in English to describe the experience of carrying the emotional weight of guilt.