feel guilty about

USAGE SUMMARY

'feel guilty about' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express regret for an action or inaction. For example, "I feel guilty about not keeping in touch with my grandparents more often."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then I feel guilty about feeling angry.

The Guardian

I just feel guilty about everything.

The New York Times

"I used to feel guilty about it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I feel guilty about this betrayal.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I feel guilty about this," he said.

The New York Times

We feel guilty about it.

Harvard Business Review

"Women feel guilty about masturbating.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I feel guilty about that.

The Guardian - Sport

Don't even feel guilty about it.

Harvard Business Review

But you might feel guilty about it.

The Washington Post

I don't feel guilty about it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel guilty about" to express genuine remorse or regret, reflecting on actions or omissions that have caused harm or disappointment.

Common error

Avoid simply stating you "feel guilty about" something without explaining why or what you intend to do about it. Acknowledge the underlying issue and outline steps for resolution or reconciliation to demonstrate sincerity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel guilty about" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of emotional discomfort or regret. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is used to convey a sense of remorse or culpability regarding a specific action, inaction or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel guilty about" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a sense of regret or remorse. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used in various contexts, especially in news and media, and is generally considered appropriate for both formal and informal communication. To enhance clarity and sincerity, it's important to clearly specify the object of guilt and, ideally, express a willingness to address the underlying issue. Remembering these best practices, derived from the linguistic analysis, will aid in using the phrase effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience remorse over

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

have regrets regarding

Emphasizes the presence of regrets, often about past actions or decisions.

be ashamed of

Highlights the feeling of shame, which involves a sense of humiliation and disgrace.

carry the weight of

Implies a burden of guilt that affects one's mental and emotional state.

suffer pangs of conscience for

Describes the sharp, sudden feelings of guilt and regret.

bear the responsibility for

Highlights the accountability one has for the consequences of their actions.

be burdened by

Suggests a feeling of being weighed down by guilt or responsibility.

have a bad conscience about

Focuses on the internal discomfort and moral conflict caused by guilt.

reproach oneself for

Emphasizes the act of blaming or criticizing oneself for something.

feel contrite about

Underscores the sincerity and genuine remorse one feels.

FAQs

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

Use "feel guilty about" to express regret or remorse for something you have done or not done. For example, "I "feel guilty about" not calling my mother more often".

What are some alternatives to "feel guilty about"?

Alternatives include "experience remorse over", "have regrets regarding", or "be ashamed of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel badly about" instead of "feel guilty about"?

While "feel badly" is sometimes used, ""feel guilty about"" is the more standard and widely accepted way to express regret or remorse. "Badly" typically describes the quality of feeling, whereas "guilty" describes the specific emotion.

What's the difference between "feel guilty about" and "feel bad about"?

"Feel guilty about" implies a sense of responsibility or wrongdoing, while "feel bad about" is a more general expression of sadness or sympathy. You might "feel bad about" someone's misfortune, but you ""feel guilty about"" something you did to cause it.