i feel very guilty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I feel very guilty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing remorse or regret about a specific action or situation. Example: "After realizing the impact of my words, I feel very guilty for hurting her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"I feel very guilty.

Independent

And I feel very guilty about that.

The Guardian

"Looking back, I feel very guilty about that," he said.

The New York Times

"I feel very guilty but I will show you, this is the Indian government.

Independent

I feel very guilty about the fact that I go to America a lot to work.

The Guardian

But I feel very guilty, very conscious that it means she will be on a low income.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Slavery was abolished because people were enraged by its injustice and prepared to make supporters of it feel very guilty indeed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I felt very guilty and frustrated then," Mr. Fu wrote.

The New York Times

It was exquisite, but I felt very guilty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I dreamt that he had read the piece, and suddenly I felt very guilty," she says.

The New York Times

So I felt very guilty, although my commitment to a project is stronger than my sense of guilt".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing guilt, be specific about the action or situation causing the feeling to ensure clarity and sincerity. Avoid vague statements that lack context.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I feel very guilty" without explaining why. This can sound insincere or manipulative. Always provide context or reasons for your guilt to make the statement meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I feel very guilty" functions primarily as an expression of remorse or regret. It conveys the speaker's acknowledgement of wrongdoing and their emotional response to it. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I feel very guilty" is a common and grammatically correct expression of remorse or regret. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various writing contexts. It's used to acknowledge wrongdoing and express emotional distress about the action or situation in question. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to provide specific context to ensure sincerity and clarity. Alternatives like "i feel remorseful" or "i am consumed by guilt" can add different shades of meaning. Ultimately, using "I feel very guilty" effectively involves sincerity, context, and awareness of the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i feel deeply guilty

Emphasizes a stronger sense of guilt.

i feel extremely guilty

Similar to 'deeply guilty', indicating a high degree of guilt.

i feel so guilty

A more casual way of expressing a strong feeling of guilt.

i feel really guilty

Similar to 'so guilty', conveying a strong sense of guilt in a slightly less formal tone.

i am consumed by guilt

Suggests guilt is overwhelming and preoccupying.

i am ridden with guilt

Similar to 'consumed by guilt', implying guilt is a burden.

i feel a sense of guilt

A more detached or clinical way of expressing guilt.

i feel remorseful

Focuses on regret and sorrow for one's actions.

i have a guilty conscience

Indicates an ongoing feeling of guilt about something.

i feel culpable

More formal term indicating responsibility and guilt.

FAQs

What's a less common way to say "I feel very guilty"?

You can use phrases like "i am consumed by guilt" or "i am ridden with guilt" to express a stronger or more overwhelming sense of guilt.

How can I express a similar sentiment to "I feel very guilty" without using the word 'guilty'?

Consider using phrases like "i feel remorseful" or "I regret my actions" to convey a similar feeling of regret and responsibility.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I feel very guilty"?

Use "I feel very guilty" when you genuinely regret an action and recognize that you have caused harm or violated a moral principle. It's important to be sincere and provide context for your feelings.

Is "I feel very guilty" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "I feel very guilty" might be considered slightly informal for certain professional contexts. In such cases, consider alternatives like "i feel culpable" or "I accept responsibility for my actions" for a more formal tone.