for your conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for your conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is meant to ease or address someone's moral or ethical concerns. Example: "I decided to donate to the charity for your conscience, hoping it would help you feel better about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

So I leave that for your conscience".

The New Yorker

"Wait for your people... wait for your conscience!

The New York Times

A related product is a global positioning system for your conscience.

The New York Times

There is a ray of hope for your conscience: maybe that artifact is a fake.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You can close your eyes to it — it's bad for your conscience — but you can live with it.

The New York Times

One blogger in particular posted an eloquent appeal for more care and caution in China's rapid development: "China, please stop your flying pace, wait for your people, wait for your soul, wait for your morality, wait for your conscience!

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Sir Thomas More: And when we die, and you are sent to heaven for doing your conscience, and I am sent to hell for not doing mine, will you come with me, for fellowship?

Huffington Post

Much can be said for heeding your conscience, even when it is (in my view) excessively strict.

The New York Times - Magazine

I am forever grateful to you for standing your ground and voting your conscience, for whatever reason, and for allowing his parents to keep their son alive.

Huffington Post

If you wanted to make money, you worked 24/7 in a corporate role or launched a business with low overheads, high margins and very little regard for your social conscience.

Huffington Post

While I certainly wouldn't suggest that you use this trick for endless, free web surfing on a for-pay wireless network, maybe your conscience would allow you to just quickly jump on to grab your e-mail or some music for your MP3 player before you board.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for your conscience" when you want to directly address someone's moral considerations or sense of right and wrong in a particular situation. It is often employed to prompt reflection or justify a decision based on ethical grounds.

Common error

Avoid using "for your conscience" as a direct command or order, as it can sound accusatory or preachy. Instead, frame it as a suggestion or a gentle reminder of ethical considerations. For instance, instead of saying "Do it for your conscience!" consider "Consider doing it, for your conscience's sake."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for your conscience" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause by indicating the reason or motivation behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it generally addresses ethical or moral concerns.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for your conscience" serves as a prepositional phrase that encourages ethical behavior or justifies actions based on moral principles. While grammatically sound and understandable, as Ludwig AI pointed out, it's best employed in scenarios where it doesn't come across as accusatory or judgmental. Suitable alternatives include phrases like "to ease your conscience" or "to satisfy your principles", depending on the desired tone and context. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, this phrase maintains a neutral register, making it versatile for various writing styles. However, be mindful of potential misinterpretations, and strive to promote ethical action rather than imposing moral authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to ease your conscience

Focuses on the act of alleviating guilt, changing the emphasis from the conscience itself to the action taken.

for your peace of mind

Shifts the focus from moral considerations to general well-being and comfort, broadening the scope.

to satisfy your principles

Replaces "conscience" with "principles", highlighting adherence to personal beliefs as a motivation.

in accordance with your ethics

Emphasizes the ethical framework guiding the action, making it more formal.

to align with your values

Highlights core values as the driving force, suitable in contexts where personal values are paramount.

to respect your scruples

Uses "scruples" which conveys a slightly stronger sense of moral reservation or hesitation.

to honor your moral compass

Employs a metaphorical expression emphasizing internal moral guidance.

to adhere to your morals

Focuses on the act of sticking to one's morals, rather than the conscience itself.

for ethical considerations

Replaces the personal aspect with a more general reference to ethical factors.

to allay your guilt

Specifically addresses the reduction of guilt, narrowing the focus of the phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "for your conscience" in a sentence?

You can use "for your conscience" to suggest someone consider their morals, like: "I hope you'll reconsider "for your conscience", knowing the harm it could cause."

What's a more formal way to say "for your conscience"?

In a more formal setting, consider using "in accordance with your ethics" or "to align with your values" as alternatives to "for your conscience", depending on the specific context.

Is "for your conscience's sake" the same as "for your conscience"?

"For your conscience's sake" and "for your conscience" are similar, but the former emphasizes the benefit or relief it would bring to your conscience, while the latter is a more direct appeal to moral considerations.

What are some situations where using "for your conscience" might be inappropriate?

Using "for your conscience" can be inappropriate in situations where it might come across as judgmental or overly moralistic. Consider the audience and the potential for the phrase to be perceived as condescending.