bout of conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bout of conscience" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "crisis of conscience," which refers to a situation where someone feels conflicted about their moral beliefs or actions. Example: "After witnessing the injustice, she experienced a crisis of conscience that compelled her to take action."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But the finale, a Lothario's bout of conscience called "I Can't Leave You Lovin' Me," runs on hectic strumming that propels his voice to reach ever higher and sound ever more fervent, and it's a whirlwind.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Rosen said that "City of Life and Death" has attracted some criticism in China, because it portrays one Japanese character who was part of the occupation force as having a bout of conscience over Japanese atrocities and eventually killing himself.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

No more bouts of conscience brought on by the need to succeed at the expense of others!

Huffington Post

According to Sharon Eberson, the character's popularity can be attributed to his being a "scoundrel whose occasional bouts of conscience allow viewers to go with the flaws because, as played to the larger-than-life hilt by Depp, he owns every scene he is in".

Wikipedia

If all this adverse publicity had indeed induced a bout of "climate conscience" in the brothers, it would be quite some story.But it was a spoof.

The Economist

Feeling pangs of conscience?

The New York Times

A drama of conscience.

The Guardian

A dialogue of conscience.

The Guardian - Books

A vote of conscience?

The Guardian - Opinion

A man of conscience".

The New Yorker

It is the call of conscience.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing fleeting feelings of guilt, consider alternatives like "pangs of conscience".

Common error

Avoid using "bout of conscience" as it's often perceived as incorrect. A "bout" suggests a temporary occurrence, whereas matters of conscience usually involve a more significant internal conflict. Instead, opt for "crisis of conscience" for a more accurate and impactful expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bout of conscience" functions as a noun phrase, though it's not grammatically standard. While it attempts to describe an episode related to one's moral sense, Ludwig AI identifies it as incorrect, suggesting alternative phrasing for accurate communication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "bout of conscience" appears in some publications, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The intended meaning revolves around a period of moral questioning or struggle. For accurate and effective communication, especially in formal contexts, it's advisable to use alternatives like "crisis of conscience" or "pangs of conscience" depending on the specific context. It's important to note that while some authoritative sources use it, the alternatives are often preferred for clarity and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crisis of conscience

Replaces "bout" with "crisis", indicating a more significant and decisive moral dilemma.

moral quandary

Substitutes the entire phrase with a single term representing a difficult moral situation.

ethical dilemma

Similar to "moral quandary", but emphasizing the ethical rather than personal moral aspect.

pangs of conscience

Focuses on the feeling of guilt or regret, rather than a full-blown crisis.

sense of guilt

A simpler phrase highlighting the feeling of remorse for a perceived wrong.

moral scruples

Emphasizes the moral principles that cause hesitation or doubt.

ethical considerations

Shifts the focus to the broader ethical implications of a situation.

remorseful feelings

Highlights the emotional aspect of regret and guilt.

moral unease

Suggests a mild discomfort or anxiety related to moral issues.

ethical qualms

Expresses reservations or doubts about the morality of an action.

FAQs

What's the correct way to express a period of moral struggle?

Instead of "bout of conscience", use "crisis of conscience". It is the standard and more accurate way to describe a significant moral conflict.

Is "bout of conscience" grammatically correct?

No, it is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. A more appropriate phrase is "crisis of conscience".

Can I use "bout of conscience" in formal writing?

It's best to avoid "bout of conscience" in formal writing. Opt for "crisis of conscience" or another suitable alternative to ensure clarity and correctness.

What's the difference between "pangs of conscience" and "bout of conscience"?

"Pangs of conscience" refers to brief feelings of guilt or regret, while "crisis of conscience" describes a more intense and prolonged moral struggle. "Bout of conscience" is not a standard phrase.