in good conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

"in good conscience" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to talk about a situation where you feel you must do something right and ethically, even if it may not be popular or easy. For example: "I had to turn down the job offer, as I could not accept it in good conscience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

And he could not "in good conscience" let that happen. .

Huffington Post

How in good conscience could we not?

The New York Times

It is certainly possible to oppose Obamacare in good conscience.

The New York Times

I couldn't do that in good conscience, man.

The New York Times

I cannot in good conscience tell my students that anymore.

The New York Times

So I cannot in good conscience convict this person.

The Guardian

This was something I could not, in good conscience, allow.

The Guardian - Music

But I can't in good conscience operate from that assumption".

The New Yorker

"I cannot in good conscience support this disastrous settlement agreement".

The Guardian - Tech

"But we are all moving ahead in good conscience.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Can anyone in good conscience consider them otherwise?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in good conscience" when you want to express that your actions or decisions are driven by a strong sense of morality and ethical principles. It conveys a commitment to doing what you believe is right, even if it's difficult or unpopular.

Common error

Do not confuse "in good conscience" with "in good faith". "In good conscience" refers to your internal moral compass, while "in good faith" relates to honesty and sincerity in dealing with others. Using them interchangeably can alter the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in good conscience" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the moral basis for an action or decision. It explains the rationale behind someone's behavior, emphasizing their ethical considerations. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase clarifies why someone cannot support an action or decision, such as "I cannot in good conscience continue to support Donald Trump".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in good conscience" is a prevalent expression used to convey that an action or decision is driven by strong moral or ethical principles. It typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to provide the moral basis for the action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in writing. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, followed by wiki and formal business settings. When aiming to express similar sentiments, alternatives such as "with a clear conscience" or "according to one's principles" can be considered. Be sure to not confuse it with "in good faith". In conclusion, "in good conscience" serves as a powerful expression of moral conviction and ethical responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a clear conscience

Focuses on the state of having a conscience free from guilt.

according to one's principles

Emphasizes adherence to personal moral guidelines.

in accordance with one's beliefs

Highlights alignment with personal beliefs or values.

morally justifiable

Indicates an action that can be defended on moral grounds.

ethically sound

Stresses adherence to ethical standards.

with moral integrity

Highlights the presence of strong moral principles and honesty.

in all honesty

Emphasizes sincerity and truthfulness in a statement or action.

on moral grounds

Indicates that a decision or action is based on moral considerations.

by my moral compass

Implies guidance by one's internal sense of right and wrong.

guided by ethics

Suggests acting in accordance with a set of moral principles.

FAQs

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

Use "in good conscience" to express that you are acting according to your moral beliefs, even if it's difficult. For example, "I couldn't "in good conscience" support that decision."

What does "in good conscience" mean?

The phrase "in good conscience" means acting according to one's moral beliefs and principles. It implies a sense of ethical responsibility and a commitment to doing what is right.

What are some alternatives to "in good conscience"?

Alternatives include "with a clear conscience", "according to one's principles", or "morally justifiable", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "in good conscience" or "with a clean conscience"?

Both phrases relate to one's sense of morality but have slight differences. "In good conscience" emphasizes the act of making decisions based on one's values, while "with a clear conscience" emphasizes the resulting feeling of having done what's right.