consumed with guilt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'consumed with guilt' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is feeling overwhelmed with guilt or remorse, usually due to something they have done. For example, "She was consumed with guilt after she realized she had hurt her friend's feelings".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Parents have been consumed with guilt.

The New York Times

"Why would someone want to hurt Nicholas?" His dad is consumed with guilt.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The attempt is in vain and, when Hannah eventually returns to Liberia, she is consumed with guilt.

The Guardian - Books

Lock was consumed with guilt over having been inside drinking coffee instead of outside guarding the embassy.

The Guardian

Unable to find a job and consumed with guilt about her parents' financial sacrifices, Chinese student Liu Wei took her own life.

The Telegraph

During the trial, the prosecution painted Mr. Skakel as an emotionally disturbed man who was consumed with guilt after the killing, prompting confessions and suicide attempts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

I headed home, but when I got there, I was consumed with both guilt and fear--guilt for having invented my story; fear at the possibility that I would be found out.

Huffington Post

He is an ex-fireman who survived the collapse of the twin towers on Sept. 11 and, later, consumed with survivor guilt, went off to help people around the world.

The New York Times - Books

As a mother, I'm often consumed with tremendous guilt being far away from my daughters and my husband.

HuffPost

And even when I did carve out an hour or two to explore ideas, I became consumed with "mom guilt" over all the things and important people I was neglecting at home to prioritize me.

HuffPost

Sheila Calliee Thorne, Jimmyy's widow and Damien's mother, is consumed with grief and guilt about her son.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consumed with guilt" to vividly portray a character's deep sense of remorse, especially when their actions have had significant negative consequences. This phrase is particularly effective in dramatic or literary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "consumed with guilt" for minor infractions or everyday mistakes. The phrase carries a heavy emotional weight and is best reserved for situations involving serious wrongdoing or significant harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consumed with guilt" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being overwhelmed by feelings of guilt. Ludwig examples show it describing individuals wracked by remorse for past actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "consumed with guilt" is a powerful expression used to describe a state of being overwhelmed by feelings of guilt and remorse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase is most often found in news and media contexts, as well as in encyclopedias and wikis. While generally neutral in register, its intensity makes it particularly effective in literary and dramatic situations. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for situations involving significant wrongdoing or harm, and to avoid overuse in everyday contexts. Consider alternative phrases like "overwhelmed with guilt" or "racked with guilt" depending on the desired level of intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelmed with guilt

Focuses on the feeling of being overpowered by guilt, similar in intensity to the original phrase.

racked with guilt

Emphasizes the painful and distressing nature of the guilt.

filled with remorse

Highlights the regret and sorrow associated with the guilt.

burdened by guilt

Suggests that guilt is a heavy weight or responsibility.

stricken with guilt

Indicates a sudden and intense onset of guilt.

haunted by guilt

Implies that guilt is a persistent and unsettling presence.

tormented by guilt

Conveys a sense of mental anguish caused by guilt.

plagued by guilt

Suggests a recurring and troublesome experience of guilt.

wracked by conscience

Highlights the internal moral conflict causing the distress.

suffering from guilt

A more general way to express the experience of feeling guilty.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "consumed with guilt" in a sentence?

Use "consumed with guilt" to depict a profound sense of remorse following a significant mistake or harmful action. For example, "After betraying his friend, he was "consumed with guilt"." The phrase is most impactful when the consequences are severe and the character's internal struggle is intense.

What are some alternatives to "consumed with guilt" that I can use?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives such as "overwhelmed with guilt", "racked with guilt", or "filled with remorse" to convey similar feelings of culpability and regret.

When is it appropriate to use "consumed with guilt" versus a milder expression of regret?

"Consumed with guilt" is best used when the feeling of guilt is overwhelming and all-encompassing, typically due to a serious transgression. Milder expressions like "feeling guilty" or "regretful" are more suitable for less significant situations.

Is "consumed with guilt" a formal or informal expression?

"Consumed with guilt" is generally considered a more formal and intense expression. While it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is most effective when conveying a deep and profound sense of remorse, making it better suited for literary or dramatic situations rather than casual conversation.