bout of contrition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bout of contrition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of remorse or regret, often in relation to one's actions or behavior. Example: "After realizing the impact of his words, he experienced a bout of contrition that led him to apologize sincerely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Public expressions of contrition abound.

The New Yorker

Amanda made a false face of contrition.

The New Yorker

So Marie performed her Act of Contrition.

The New Yorker

His lack of contrition exacerbates its seriousness".

The Guardian - Tech

He is offering words of contrition.

The New York Times

He has already shown signs of contrition.

The Guardian - Sport

The BBC had consumed "buckets of contrition", he said.

The Guardian

But this modest act of contrition came too late.

The Economist

He conveyed a decent mix of contrition and reasonableness.

The New York Times

The act of contrition sometimes comes wrapped in self-congratulation.

The New York Times

Republicans vacillated between notes of contrition and defiance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bout of contrition" to describe a limited period of remorse, not a constant state. This phrasing suggests a temporary, though perhaps intense, experience of regret.

Common error

Avoid using "bout of contrition" to describe actions that are merely performative or lack genuine remorse. The phrase implies a sincere emotional experience, so ensure the context reflects true regret.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bout of contrition" functions as a noun phrase, describing a period or instance of feeling remorse or regret. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academic

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bout of contrition" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a temporary period of remorse or regret. While relatively uncommon, according to Ludwig, it appears in reputable news and media sources, indicating its acceptability in neutral and professional contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a genuine and limited period of regret, rather than a constant or insincere state. Consider alternatives like "period of remorse" or "spell of regret" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

period of remorse

Focuses on the emotional state of deep regret over a specific duration.

fit of remorse

Suggests a sudden and intense feeling of regret.

spell of regret

Emphasizes a temporary phase of feeling sorry for something.

pang of guilt

Focuses on a sudden, sharp feeling of culpability.

surge of regret

Indicates a sudden, powerful feeling of sorrow or disappointment.

flash of remorse

Emphasizes a brief, intense moment of feeling sorry.

wave of repentance

Implies a strong, sudden feeling of regret and a desire to atone.

attack of conscience

Highlights a moment where moral awareness causes distress.

moment of atonement

Highlights a specific instance of trying to make amends.

hint of regret

Indicates a subtle or understated feeling of sorrow.

FAQs

How can I use "bout of contrition" in a sentence?

You can use "bout of contrition" to describe a period of remorse following a wrongdoing. For example, "After realizing the damage he caused, he experienced a bout of contrition".

What can I say instead of "bout of contrition"?

You can use alternatives like "period of remorse", "spell of regret", or "wave of repentance" depending on the context.

Is "bout of contrition" formal or informal?

"Bout of contrition" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for both news reports and general writing. However, it might sound slightly more literary than everyday speech.

What's the difference between "bout of contrition" and "act of contrition"?

"Bout of contrition" refers to a period of feeling remorseful, while "act of contrition" typically describes a specific action taken to express or demonstrate remorse.