feel guilty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel guilty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has a sense of remorse or regret for something they did or didn't do. For example, "After lying to her parents, she couldn't help but feel guilty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will you feel guilty?

Independent

I feel guilty".

The New York Times

Now I feel guilty.

The New York Times

But I feel guilty.

The New Yorker

We feel guilty.

The New York Times - Health

"I feel guilty, totally guilty.

The New York Times

But I didn't feel guilty".

Independent

You may also feel guilty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Don't feel guilty: We suffer".

The New Yorker

No need to feel guilty.

The New Yorker

But she didn't feel guilty.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel guilty" to accurately convey a sense of remorse, regret, or responsibility for an action or inaction. Consider the intensity of the emotion you want to express and choose synonyms if a stronger or weaker term is more appropriate.

Common error

While "feel guilty" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in informal contexts where simpler expressions like "feel bad" or "regret" might be more natural. Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel guilty" functions primarily as a stative verb phrase, expressing a state of being or an emotion experienced by the subject. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing a subjective feeling of remorse or culpability. The phrase describes a state or condition rather than a specific action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

24%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel guilty" is a common and correct way to express a sense of remorse, regret, or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Usage analysis reveals its frequent occurrence in "News & Media", "Science", and "Wiki" contexts. When writing, consider the nuance you wish to convey and explore related phrases like "feel remorseful" or "have a guilty conscience" to fine-tune your expression. While versatile, be mindful of overusing it in informal settings where simpler alternatives may be more suitable. As the examples illustrate, "feel guilty" is a powerful way to describe a common human emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a guilty conscience

Indicates an ongoing sense of guilt that affects one's thoughts and actions.

feel remorseful

Focuses specifically on the feeling of deep regret and sorrow for wrongdoing.

be consumed by guilt

Highlights the intensity and pervasiveness of the feeling of guilt.

feel culpable

Emphasizes the feeling of being deserving of blame.

feel regretful

Highlights a sense of sorrow or disappointment over something that has happened or been done.

feel responsible

Highlights a sense of accountability, not necessarily implying regret.

feel accountable

Focuses on the aspect of being answerable or responsible for one's actions.

bear the burden of guilt

Emphasizes the weight and lasting impact of guilt.

feel ashamed

Shifts the focus to feeling disgrace or humiliation.

feel bad about

A more general and less intense way to express regret or remorse.

FAQs

How can I use "feel guilty" in a sentence?

You can use "feel guilty" to express remorse or regret for something you did or didn't do. For example: "I "feel guilty" for not calling my mother on her birthday."

What are some alternatives to saying "feel guilty"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "feel remorseful", "feel responsible", or "have a guilty conscience".

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "feel guilty"?

While grammatically correct, "feel guilty" might not always be the most appropriate choice in every situation. Consider the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. Sometimes, a milder phrase like "feel bad" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "feel guilty" and "feel ashamed"?

"Feel guilty" implies a sense of remorse for a specific action or inaction, while "feel ashamed" focuses on the feeling of disgrace or humiliation, often in relation to social norms or personal values. The phrase "feel ashamed" is more related to humiliation.