feeling guilty

USAGE SUMMARY

"feeling guilty" is a phrase that is used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is remorseful for a specific action or deed. For example, "John felt guilty for not calling his mother every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Feeling guilty or not feeling guilty — I think that's the whole issue.

The New Yorker

I started feeling guilty".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I could stop feeling guilty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Obviously, people were feeling guilty.

The New York Times - Books

There's a certain element of feeling guilty.

The New York Times

"Now," Ms. Winkel said, "I'm feeling guilty".

The New York Times

Right now, though, he isn't feeling guilty.

The New York Times - Magazine

Why would you be feeling guilty?

The Guardian

Frankly, I think they're feeling guilty.

The New York Times - Sports

I remember feeling guilty for those people.

The Guardian - Arts

I went on, feeling guilty - and relieved.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feeling guilty", clearly identify the cause of the guilt to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling guilty" without specifying the reason. This can leave the reader confused and the sentence without impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling guilty" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a subject. It describes a state of emotional distress or remorse experienced by an individual due to a perceived transgression or failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling guilty" is a common and grammatically sound way to express remorse or culpability. As Ludwig AI notes, it's widely used in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When using "feeling guilty", it's crucial to provide context by clearly stating the reason for the guilt. While alternatives like "experiencing guilt" or "remorseful" exist, "feeling guilty" remains a straightforward and universally understood expression. Avoiding vague attributions and specifying the cause of guilt will enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experiencing guilt

Focuses on the ongoing experience rather than just the emotion.

remorseful

Emphasizes a deep sense of regret and sorrow.

culpable

Highlights responsibility and blameworthiness.

contrite

Suggests sincere repentance and willingness to atone.

ashamed

Focuses on the feeling of humiliation and disgrace.

having regrets

Implies a broader sense of sorrow over past actions.

burdened by guilt

Emphasizes the weight and oppressiveness of the feeling.

carrying the weight of guilt

Similar to 'burdened by guilt' but with a stronger sense of endurance.

sense of culpability

Highlights the awareness and recognition of one's own guilt.

conscience-stricken

Emphasizes the internal moral conflict and distress.

FAQs

How can I express "feeling guilty" in a more formal way?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "experiencing remorse", "harboring culpability", or "contemplating one's wrongdoing" to convey a similar meaning with greater gravitas.

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

"Feeling guilty" often relates to a specific action or inaction causing remorse, whereas "feeling ashamed" usually stems from a sense of disgrace or humiliation, often related to one's character or reputation.

What are some common reasons for "feeling guilty"?

Common reasons include not meeting expectations, betraying trust, making mistakes that harm others, or experiencing survivor's guilt, as seen in examples where siblings report "feeling guilty" because they did not die.

Is "feeling guilty" always a negative emotion?

While often negative, "feeling guilty" can also be a catalyst for positive change, prompting individuals to acknowledge their mistakes and take corrective action. It's a sign of a functioning conscience, as some philosophical perspectives suggest, highlighting openness to moral considerations.