ease conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ease conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is usually used when someone is trying to make themselves feel better mentally or emotionally after an event or decision. For example, "John tried to ease his conscience by donating to charity after he spilled the paint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Soft synonyms ease consciences and incline us to consider things less problematic, making us feel better and unfairly shunting matters to the bottom of the priority pile.

The Guardian - Opinion

But even if you do not agree, it is hard to dispute his conclusion that, so far, the fair-trade labelling movement has been more about easing consciences in rich countries than making serious inroads into poverty in the developing world.

The Economist

Then thou mayest ease thy conscience on that score.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was, I think, something she needed to tell herself to ease her conscience.

The Guardian

To ease their conscience, the invaders predicted a swift, less bloody operation.

The New York Times

It does little to ease my conscience, but you would do it too if it meant keeping your job.

The Guardian - Tech

To ease my conscience, I search for tangible proof that donor-conceived children are not psychologically harmed by their very conception.

The New York Times

It is probably better to help a charitable cause and ease your conscience at the same time by taking used clothing to a charity shop or collection point.

The Guardian - Money

To ease your conscience, when you call for a reservation share your feelings and let them decide if they want you.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a testament to Unigwe's ability to convey human complexity that Polycarp, to ease his conscience at having jilted her, is paying off her debt to Dele, an anomaly that gives her unique privileges in the brothel hierarchy.

The New York Times - Books

The 28th verse of the third sura (chapter) says that, out of fear of Allah (God), believers should not show preference in friendship to unbelievers "unless to safeguard yourselves against them". The 16th sura was revealed (according to tradition) to ease the conscience of ʿAmmār ibn Yāsir, a devout follower of the Prophet Muhammad, who renounced his faith under torture and threat of death.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ease conscience" when the subject is performing an action or making a justification that makes them feel less guilty about something they have done or are about to do. For example: "He donated anonymously to the orphanage to "ease his conscience" after neglecting his own children."

Common error

Don't assume that any action taken will fully "ease conscience". The phrase often implies a partial or attempted reduction of guilt, not necessarily a complete absolution. If the action fully resolves the issue, consider stronger terms like "clear conscience".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ease conscience" functions as a verbal phrase where "ease" is a transitive verb, and "conscience" is the direct object. It describes the action of lessening the burden of guilt or moral discomfort. Based on Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ease conscience" is a grammatically sound phrase that describes the act of lessening one's guilt or moral distress. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable expression. While perhaps not as frequent as other similar phrases, it serves a distinct purpose in expressing a partial reduction of guilt through specific actions or justifications. Its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and general discourse, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for expressing nuanced moral states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

soothe one's conscience

Emphasizes a gentle calming of guilt, suggesting a lighter touch.

relieve one's guilt

Directly addresses the feeling of guilt, focusing on its removal.

assuage one's guilt

Similar to "soothe", but can imply a more significant reduction of guilt.

clear one's conscience

Suggests a complete removal of guilt, leaving one feeling morally unburdened.

appease one's conscience

Implies satisfying one's moral sense, often through some action.

satisfy one's moral obligation

Focuses on meeting a sense of duty, rather than directly addressing guilt.

atone for one's actions

Suggests making amends for wrongdoing, which can then ease the conscience.

make amends

A more general term for correcting a wrong or injury.

expiate one's sins

A more formal, often religious, way of saying to make amends for sins.

take the edge off guilt

Indicates a partial reduction of guilt, not complete removal.

FAQs

How can I use "ease conscience" in a sentence?

You can use "ease conscience" to describe actions taken to reduce feelings of guilt after a mistake or wrong decision. For example, "She volunteered at the animal shelter to "ease her conscience" after forgetting to feed her own pet."

What's a good alternative to "ease conscience"?

Alternatives include "relieve one's guilt", "soothe one's conscience", or "clear one's conscience", depending on the level of guilt reduction you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "easy conscience" instead of "ease conscience"?

No, "easy conscience" isn't the correct phrase. The correct phrase is "ease conscience", where "ease" functions as a verb meaning to alleviate or lessen something, in this case, the burden of guilt on one's conscience.

What is the difference between "ease conscience" and "clear conscience"?

"Ease conscience" implies a partial reduction of guilt, while "clear conscience" suggests a complete removal of guilt, implying a sense of being completely free from wrongdoing.