crisis of conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crisis of conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where someone is faced with a moral dilemma or is struggling with their ethical beliefs. Example: "After witnessing the unfair treatment of his colleagues, he experienced a crisis of conscience that made him reconsider his role in the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bee's crisis of conscience was not isolated.

The New York Times

It is a crisis of conscience.

The Guardian

He says, "I was faced with a crisis of conscience.

The New Yorker

The young Garzon underwent a long crisis of conscience.

The Economist

The protagonist of "Soulsaver" has a similar crisis of conscience.

The New York Times - Books

Indeed, its very slightness triggers a crisis of conscience.

The New York Times - Books

"Quite frankly," he said, "it was a crisis of conscience.

The New York Times

The decree provoked a crisis of conscience in many hearts hardened many minds, and caused endlessdissuion.

The New Yorker

But in a crisis of conscience he discovered that his sympathies lay with Roman Catholicism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Is Damschak's nocturnal visit meant to do more than provoke a crisis of conscience in Morris?

The New Yorker

The petition campaign against the Fojols has created a sort of crisis of conscience for Washingtonians.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, provide specific details about the situation that is causing the "crisis of conscience". This helps readers understand the weight and complexity of the moral struggle.

Common error

Avoid using "crisis of conscience" to describe fleeting feelings of regret or guilt. This phrase should be reserved for situations where someone is grappling with deeply held beliefs and values, not just minor inconveniences or social faux pas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crisis of conscience" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes a state of internal conflict or turmoil related to one's moral or ethical beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crisis of conscience" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to describe a significant moral or ethical struggle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally considered correct and is quite common in writing. Predominantly featured in news and media, academic texts, and encyclopedias, it effectively communicates a deep internal conflict stemming from one's core values. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a profound moral dilemma rather than a superficial feeling of regret. Alternatives such as "moral quandary" or "ethical dilemma" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral quandary

Focuses on the difficult choice between two or more moral principles.

ethical dilemma

Highlights the conflict between different ethical considerations.

moral conflict

Emphasizes the internal struggle between competing moral values.

clash of values

Indicates a disagreement or opposition between personal beliefs.

internal conflict of ethics

Describes a situation where one's ethical principles are in direct opposition to one another.

moral struggle

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in making a moral decision.

ethical crisis

Similar, but places greater emphasis on the urgent or critical nature of the situation.

conflict of principles

Focuses on the contradiction or incompatibility of different guiding beliefs.

existential quandary

Expands the scope to include fundamental questions about existence and purpose.

spiritual crisis

Shifts the focus to a crisis related to one's faith or spiritual beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "crisis of conscience" in a sentence?

You can use "crisis of conscience" to describe a situation where someone is struggling with their ethical beliefs or facing a moral dilemma. For instance: "The whistleblower experienced a "crisis of conscience" after witnessing the company's illegal activities."

What's a good substitute for "crisis of conscience"?

Alternatives include "moral quandary", "ethical dilemma", or "moral conflict". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a conscience crisis" instead of "crisis of conscience"?

While understandable, "a conscience crisis" is not standard English usage. "Crisis of conscience" is the idiomatic and widely accepted phrasing.

What distinguishes a "crisis of conscience" from a simple regret?

A "crisis of conscience" involves a deep internal conflict stemming from deeply held moral or ethical beliefs. Regret, on the other hand, may simply involve sorrow or disappointment over a past action without necessarily implicating one's core values.