feeling of guilt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'feeling of guilt' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used anytime to describe a feeling of remorse or regret related to something that a person has done or failed to do. For example: "The woman was overwhelmed by a feeling of guilt for not being able to save her colleague from the burning building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

You're going to feel this awful, awful, awful feeling of guilt," he said.

The Washington Post

"A feeling of guilt.

The New Yorker

Maybe that's a feeling of guilt.

The New York Times - Health

Still, I have a feeling of guilt….

The New Yorker

The feeling of guilt is with me all the time.

The New Yorker

It left me with a slight feeling of guilt".

The New Yorker

But it might also encourage positive behavior, intended to reduce that feeling of guilt.

University of California, Berkeley

The selfish lucidity of that act produced an immediate feeling of guilt.

The New Yorker

"No one must be allowed to impose the feeling of guilt on us".

The New Yorker

And the feeling of guilt only builds; will I ever finish any of them?

The Economist

"There isn't so much a feeling of guilt on our part.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling of guilt" when describing an emotional response to a perceived transgression or failure to meet moral standards. Ensure the context clearly identifies the cause of the guilt to maintain clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling of guilt" interchangeably with shame. Guilt typically arises from actions, while shame stems from a perceived flaw in character. Understand the nuanced difference to accurately convey the intended emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of guilt" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a subjective emotional experience. Ludwig examples show it expressing remorse or regret related to actions or inactions. The phrase is used to identify and articulate an internal state of culpability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of guilt" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes the emotional experience of remorse or regret. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media, science, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to distinguish it from shame and ensure the context clearly identifies the cause of the guilt. Alternative phrases include "sense of remorse", "pang of regret", and "burden of conscience".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of remorse

Focuses more on the sorrow and regret associated with wrongdoing.

pang of regret

Implies a sudden, sharp feeling of sadness or disappointment about something.

burden of conscience

Highlights the weight and moral responsibility associated with guilt.

awareness of wrongdoing

Emphasizes the cognitive recognition of having acted improperly.

self-reproach

Indicates criticizing or blaming oneself intensely.

remorseful sensation

A more descriptive and slightly formal way to express a feeling of regret.

contrition

A formal term indicating sincere remorse for wrongdoing.

compunction

A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.

self-condemnation

Highlights a strong feeling of disapproval of oneself, often leading to self-punishment.

shamefacedness

Emphasizes the feeling of embarrassment and humiliation associated with guilt.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling of guilt" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling of guilt" to describe an emotional response to something you have done or not done. For example, "She was consumed by a feeling of guilt after forgetting her friend's birthday."

What is a good alternative to "feeling of guilt"?

Alternatives include "sense of remorse", "pang of regret", or "burden of conscience", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a guilt feeling" instead of "feeling of guilt"?

While understandable, "feeling of guilt" is the more standard and grammatically accepted phrasing. "A guilt feeling" sounds less natural and is less frequently used.

What's the difference between "feeling of guilt" and "feeling of regret"?

"Feeling of guilt" implies a sense of responsibility and remorse for a specific action, while "feeling of regret" may encompass a broader sense of disappointment or sadness about past events or decisions without necessarily implying wrongdoing.