burden of guilt

USAGE SUMMARY

"burden of guilt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the feeling of being burdened with guilt or regret, usually due to having done something wrong. For example, "John had to carry the burden of guilt for years after not being able to prevent his daughter's death."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scapegoats carry the burden of guilt inside us all.

The New Yorker

Their burden of guilt was simply too great.

The Economist

The play makes it clear we share the burden of guilt.

The Guardian

Was the burden of guilt in "The Tin Drum" the so-called collective German guilt?

The New York Times - Books

He has never seen them again and as a result bears an appalling burden of guilt.

The Guardian

Otherwise, at the moment of pullout, his own burden of guilt would be too much.

The New Yorker

"They all had this burden of guilt, that they were there and didn't stop 9/11.

The New Yorker

A simple wooden staff serves as the albatross, the symbolic burden of guilt.

Independent

It captures the enormous burden of guilt and despair that can torture soldiers for the rest of their lives.

The New York Times

I can't think of another country that has taken on the burden of guilt more willingly in its popular art.

The New Yorker

Samuel Fuller's "I Shot Jesse James" (1949) is really all about the killer, Robert Ford, and his burden of guilt.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "burden of guilt", consider the specific context and the degree of responsibility and remorse involved. This phrase is particularly effective when describing long-lasting or deeply felt guilt.

Common error

Avoid using "burden of guilt" loosely; ensure the guilt is genuinely tied to a specific action or inaction. It's easy to incorrectly assign guilt or project it onto someone without a valid basis. Ensure you're not confusing it with shame or regret.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burden of guilt" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of verbs like 'carry', 'bear', or 'shoulder'. It describes the emotional weight associated with feeling guilty. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "burden of guilt" effectively conveys the emotional weight associated with wrongdoing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. Its strength lies in its ability to succinctly describe the lasting psychological impact of actions that cause remorse. When using this phrase, ensure that the source of guilt is clear and that the term aligns with the intended intensity of feeling. Consider alternative phrases like "weight of guilt" or "remorse" to fine-tune your message. Overall, "burden of guilt" is a powerful and readily understood expression that is highly valuable in the english language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weight of guilt

Emphasizes the heaviness and oppressive nature of guilt.

guilty conscience

Highlights the internal awareness and moral judgment associated with guilt.

moral burden

Focuses on the ethical implications and the weight of violating moral principles.

burden of responsibility

Shifts focus from the emotion of guilt to the obligation and accountability for an action.

pangs of conscience

Highlights the internal torment and suffering caused by guilt.

remorse

A more concise term describing deep regret and sorrow for wrongdoing.

sense of culpability

A formal term emphasizing the state of being deserving of blame.

shadow of wrongdoing

Emphasizes the lasting impact and consequences of a past mistake.

feeling of accountability

Stresses the emotional aspect of being held responsible for one's actions.

stigma of guilt

Focuses on the societal disapproval and shame associated with guilt.

FAQs

What does "burden of guilt" mean?

The "burden of guilt" refers to the feeling of being weighed down by remorse or regret, typically due to having committed a wrongdoing or failing to act responsibly. It implies a heavy emotional weight resulting from one's actions or omissions.

How can I use "burden of guilt" in a sentence?

You can use "burden of guilt" to describe someone feeling responsible for a negative outcome. For example: "After the accident, he carried the "burden of guilt" for the rest of his life."

What are some alternatives to "burden of guilt"?

Alternatives include phrases like "weight of guilt", "remorse", or "guilty conscience". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "burden of guilt" the same as "burden of responsibility"?

While related, "burden of guilt" focuses on the emotional weight of remorse, whereas "burden of responsibility" emphasizes the obligation to handle the consequences of one's actions. One focuses on feeling, the other on duty.