conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing moral awareness or the inner sense of right and wrong that guides a person's thoughts and actions. Example: "Her conscience would not allow her to ignore the suffering of others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Referring to a petition signed by more than 33,000 people, Bahreini added: "Thousands of people from around the world want to see Atena Farghadani and other prisoners of conscience released.

The Guardian

Pressure has been mounting on Abbott to grant a conscience vote on the issue, but the prime minister has consistently said that the issue will be settled by the Coalition party room.

The Guardian

Her resignation letter is not just a rejection of the prime minister's position on the war in Gaza, which could be treated as a point of individual conscience.

The Guardian - Opinion

Starving, disabled children are the ultimate symbol of a cuts agenda that has no limits or conscience.

The Guardian

Pontius went on: "The responsibility – his alone – for so horrific a crime will, I imagine, weigh heavily upon his conscience for the rest of his life.

The Guardian

Leaving aside questions of conscience, a balanced diet can also make you happier just by making you healthier.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And now, here is the man of conscience who, by quitting the Tories to join Ukip and forcing a byelection, has blown up the Conservative party.

The Guardian - Opinion

We've kept our promise of 0.7% on aid, and we use that money, yes, because Britain's a country with a moral conscience.

The Guardian

He's speaking now of issues of conscience.

The Guardian

Last year, Yawuru elder and National Museum council member Peter Yu told me, "It would become like a beacon of conscience, where it reminds us of the importance of history and what we can do to each other, but where we can learn from what we've done to each other.

The Guardian

Which is filled, to my horror, by the embarrassingly audible tsk-tsk-tsk of my iPod earphones, which are still on from my ride over here - and the sound of my conscience clanging as my sin score-sheet tallies up yet another brazen lie... OK, I admit it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or political matters, use "conscience" to denote an individual's right to act according to their moral beliefs, especially when those beliefs differ from prevailing norms.

Common error

Avoid using "conscience" when you mean "consciousness". "Conscience" refers to moral awareness, while "consciousness" refers to the state of being aware and responsive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "conscience" is as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object in a sentence, referring to the internal sense of right and wrong. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "conscience" is a frequently used noun that describes an individual's moral sense of right and wrong. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in English. As seen in the provided examples, its applications span across various contexts, most notably in news and media, where it is often used in discussions related to ethical dilemmas, political decisions, and personal beliefs. While many alternatives exist, such as "moral compass" or "sense of morality", it's important to use "conscience" when referring specifically to the internal guiding principle that affects one's behavior. Remember to avoid confusing "conscience" with terms like "consciousness" to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral compass

This alternative shifts the focus to the guiding principle that helps one navigate ethical dilemmas.

sense of morality

This phrase emphasizes the individual's inherent understanding of right and wrong.

inner voice

This emphasizes the internal dialogue that guides moral decisions.

ethical principles

This shifts the focus to a set of moral standards that govern behavior.

moral scruples

This highlights the hesitations and doubts one might have when facing a moral dilemma.

moral responsibility

This alternative underscores the obligation to act in an ethically sound manner.

moral judgment

Focuses on the capacity to distinguish between right and wrong and make ethically sound decisions.

ethical awareness

This alternative emphasizes the understanding and recognition of ethical considerations in various situations.

moral rectitude

Highlights adherence to moral principles and righteousness.

sense of decency

Implies acting in accordance with accepted standards of respectable behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "conscience" in a sentence?

You can use "conscience" to refer to your inner moral compass. For example, "My conscience wouldn't allow me to cheat on the exam."

What is a good synonym for "conscience"?

A good synonym for "conscience" is "moral compass", which implies a guiding principle for ethical behavior.

What's the difference between "conscience" and "consciousness"?

"Conscience" refers to your moral sense of right and wrong, while "consciousness" refers to the state of being aware and responsive to your surroundings.

When is it appropriate to talk about a "conscience vote"?

A "conscience vote" is appropriate when discussing legislative decisions where individuals are allowed to vote based on their personal moral beliefs, rather than party lines.