guilty conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guilty conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a feeling of guilt that someone might experience when they know they have done something wrong, e.g. "His guilty conscience weighed heavily on him after his dishonest behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Priebus says that shows "a guilty conscience".

The New York Times

"I don't have a guilty conscience.

Independent

A guilty conscience needs no accuser.

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps he has a guilty conscience.

The Guardian - Opinion

How do you assuage your guilty conscience?

The New York Times - Magazine

And almost everybody has a guilty conscience.

The New York Times - Arts

He had suffered a guilty conscience ever since.

The Economist

Martinez is a man with a guilty conscience.

The Economist

It probably has something to do with Krakower's guilty conscience.

The New Yorker

"THIS paper is the manifestation of a guilty conscience".

The Economist

"I blame my parents for my guilty conscience.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "guilty conscience" to succinctly convey a feeling of remorse or culpability resulting from a past action. This phrase is widely understood and effective in communicating internal conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "guilty conscience" when describing general anxiety or worry unrelated to a specific wrongdoing. The phrase implies a specific act or omission that is causing the feeling of guilt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guilty conscience" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to the feeling of remorse or culpability resulting from a perceived wrong action. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in describing a state of internal conflict.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "guilty conscience" is a very common and grammatically sound way to express feelings of remorse or culpability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and accepted in English writing. Its prevalence is primarily within the News & Media context, indicating its utility in discussing ethical and moral implications of actions. While appropriate for many scenarios, it's crucial to differentiate it from general anxiety and use more descriptive alternatives when nuance is required. By grasping these subtle points, writers can use "guilty conscience" with precision and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burdened by guilt

Focuses on the weight and oppressiveness of the feeling.

plagued by remorse

Emphasizes the persistent and troubling nature of the regret.

tormented by guilt

Highlights the intense suffering caused by the feeling.

weighed down by culpability

Focuses on the sense of responsibility and burden.

suffering from regret

A broader term indicating a feeling of sorrow or disappointment over something done or undone.

feeling remorseful

Describes the state of experiencing deep regret or guilt.

having pangs of conscience

Captures the sudden, sharp feelings of guilt.

experiencing moral qualms

Emphasizes ethical doubts and reservations.

feeling a sense of culpability

Highlights the acknowledgment of responsibility for a wrongdoing.

carrying a burden of guilt

Focuses on the long-term effect of the feeling.

FAQs

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

You can use "guilty conscience" to describe the feeling of guilt someone experiences after doing something wrong, such as: "His guilty conscience kept him awake at night" or "She confessed because her guilty conscience was too much to bear".

What are some synonyms for "guilty conscience"?

Alternatives to "guilty conscience" include "burdened by guilt", "plagued by remorse", or "tormented by guilt". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "guilty conscience" in formal writing?

Yes, "guilty conscience" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a well-established phrase understood across different registers, including academic and professional contexts. However, choose synonyms like "burdened by guilt" if a more sophisticated tone is needed.

What's the difference between "guilty conscience" and "bad conscience"?

While both phrases convey a sense of wrongdoing, "guilty conscience" is more common and idiomatic. "Bad conscience" is less frequently used, making "guilty conscience" the preferred choice in most situations.