have a conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're referring to someone's moral awareness, or to suggest that someone should think about their moral behavior and the consequences of their actions. For example: "If he had a conscience, he wouldn't have cheated on his wife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have a conscience.

The New York Times

They have a conscience.

The New York Times

You should have a conscience.

The Guardian - Tech

He questioned the idea that corporations have a conscience.

The New York Times

I am a professional, and I also have a conscience.

The New York Times

"You have no choice if you have a conscience.

The New York Times - Food

Does the system have a conscience after all? 4.

The Guardian

He not only does not have a conscience, he seemingly has no connection to reality.

The New York Times - Sports

Third in the lineup is Miss Ball, who's just too ditzy to have a conscience.

The New York Times - Books

You can devote time watching and rooting against them and still have a conscience.

The Guardian - Sport

It's very rarely a good career move to have a conscience.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a conscience" when you want to emphasize that someone possesses an internal moral compass that guides their actions and decisions. It suggests a capacity for guilt or remorse when actions deviate from their personal ethics.

Common error

Avoid using "have a conscience" when you actually mean "have a conscious". Conscience relates to morality, while conscious relates to awareness. For instance, instead of saying "He didn't have a conscience about lying", you would say "He wasn't conscious of the consequences of lying" if you meant he was unaware.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a conscience" functions as a verb phrase indicating the possession of a moral compass or ethical awareness. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It describes an individual's capacity for moral judgment and feeling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a conscience" is a widely used and grammatically correct verb phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It signifies possessing an internal sense of right and wrong and plays a crucial role in expressing or questioning ethical standards. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity between 'conscience' (morality) and 'conscious' (awareness). For related expressions, consider alternatives like "possess moral scruples" or "exercise ethical judgment". With its frequent usage and clear meaning, understanding the nuances of "have a conscience" enhances effective communication about moral considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

display a moral compass

Implies a guiding internal sense of right and wrong, differing slightly in its metaphorical nature from "have a conscience".

demonstrate moral awareness

Highlights the observable demonstration of ethical understanding, rather than simply possessing a conscience.

show ethical responsibility

Highlights the active demonstration of ethical accountability, diverging from simply having a conscience.

act with integrity

Emphasizes consistent ethical behavior, differing from merely possessing a conscience.

possess moral scruples

Emphasizes adherence to moral principles, differing from "have a conscience" by highlighting active adherence.

uphold moral principles

Focuses on actively defending ethical standards, not just possessing a sense of morality.

live by a moral code

Suggests adherence to a defined set of ethical guidelines, differing from the more general sense of conscience.

exercise ethical judgment

Focuses on the application of ethics in decision-making, unlike the inherent moral sense in "have a conscience".

recognize right from wrong

Focuses on the ability to distinguish ethical actions, unlike the inherent moral compass implied by "have a conscience".

feel a sense of guilt

Indicates remorse after an action, whereas "have a conscience" implies a guiding moral compass.

FAQs

What does it mean to "have a conscience"?

To "have a conscience" means to possess an inner sense of what is right and wrong, guiding one's behavior and causing feelings of guilt or regret when one acts against that sense.

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

You can use it to describe someone's moral awareness, such as, "If he "had a conscience", he wouldn't have taken advantage of her kindness."

What are some phrases similar to "have a conscience"?

Alternatives include phrases like "possess moral scruples", "exercise ethical judgment", or "demonstrate moral awareness", each emphasizing different aspects of ethical behavior.

Is it better to say "have a conscience" or "be conscientious"?

The choice depends on the context. "Have a conscience" refers to possessing an internal moral guide. "Be conscientious" describes someone who is diligent and careful in their actions. For instance, someone can "have a conscience" about environmental issues, but not always "be conscientious" about recycling.