in all conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

"in all conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to mean "after honest consideration of the facts", and is usually followed by "I cannot/can …" or similar. For example: "In all conscience, I cannot turn down this job offer; it's too good to pass up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"In all conscience I don't".

The Guardian

But how, in all conscience, can it be ignored?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I realised that, in all conscience, I could not go on with it," he writes.

Independent

I can't stand by in all conscience and ignore what's happening.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But in all conscience, I never had any intention of breaking the laws of the republic".

The Guardian

I cannot believe, in all conscience, that editors and journalists across Britain do not agree.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"MetLife didn't feel in all good conscience they could have the piece," he added.

The New York Times - Arts

In all good conscience, I cannot vote for a man who has ever been capable of maintaining an erection.

The Guardian

I did Kickass a month b4 Sandy Hook and now in all good conscience I cannot support that level of violence.

The Guardian - Film

"I therefore cannot, in all good conscience, vote for something I believe will ultimately harm the city I have the honour to represent, love and call home.

The Guardian

"We have waited longer than most others in similar circumstances, but we cannot in all good conscience continue to watch this downward spiral and do nothing.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in all conscience" when you want to emphasize that a decision or action is based on deeply held moral or ethical beliefs.

Common error

Avoid using "in all conscience" in everyday, informal situations. This phrase carries a weight of moral consideration and is best reserved for more serious or significant decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in all conscience" typically functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the basis for an action or decision, emphasizing that it is made after careful moral consideration. Ludwig AI confirms this pattern.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in all conscience" is a common expression used to convey that a decision or action is being taken based on strong moral or ethical beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily within the realms of news and media. When writing, ensure the phrase is used in contexts where a strong sense of moral conviction is relevant. Alternatives such as "in good conscience" and "with a clear conscience" offer similar, yet subtly different, nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in good conscience

Similar in meaning but places more emphasis on the moral aspect of the decision.

with a clear conscience

Focuses on the state of being free from guilt after a decision.

in all honesty

Shifts the focus to truthfulness and sincerity.

in good faith

Emphasizes sincerity and genuine intent.

according to my principles

Highlights adherence to personal moral guidelines.

guided by my values

Similar to 'according to my principles' but broader in scope.

as a matter of principle

Emphasizes that the decision is based on a strongly held belief.

out of moral obligation

Highlights the sense of duty driving the decision.

because of my beliefs

Directly states the influence of personal beliefs.

on moral grounds

General term indicating a morally motivated decision.

FAQs

How to use "in all conscience" in a sentence?

Use "in all conscience" to express a decision or stance rooted in deep moral or ethical conviction. For example, "In all conscience, I cannot support that policy."

What can I say instead of "in all conscience"?

You can use alternatives like "in good conscience", "with a clear conscience", or "in all honesty" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "in all conscience" or "in good conscience"?

Both "in all conscience" and "in good conscience" are correct and convey a similar meaning, although "in all conscience" may emphasize a more profound sense of moral obligation.

What's the difference between "in all conscience" and "as a matter of principle"?

"In all conscience" implies a decision based on a thorough moral examination, while "as a matter of principle" suggests adherence to a pre-existing code or belief system.