intense guilt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense guilt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong feeling of remorse or regret about something one has done or failed to do. Example: "After realizing the impact of his actions, he was overwhelmed by intense guilt that kept him awake at night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Embarked on his career, he changed his name, and felt intense guilt later.

The New York Times - Arts

This intense guilt may have laid the foundation for Clara's public mythologizing.

The New York Times - Books

Worst of all, you may end up taking your frustration out on your parent, causing you intense guilt".

The New York Times

As the doctor inserted the needle into Jenny's abdomen, aiming at one of the fetuses, Jenny tried not to flinch, caught between intense relief and intense guilt.

The New York Times - Magazine

Other, Freudian-minded thinkers have gone as far to propose that the seemingly drastic nature of ECT may work by offering redemption from feelings of intense guilt – a position not too distant from that of the ancient Greeks.

The Guardian - Books

In the dream I suffer intense guilt at having allowed this once pleasant property to deteriorate beyond rescue; fungus blossoms on the walls, the furniture rots, my house-proud neighbors are suitably disgusted.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

It was cloyingly intense, guilt-ridden and sad.

Huffington Post

For example, Weiss [ 7] reported that many parents of children with PDDs experienced feelings of intense anger, guilt, depression or anxiety most of the time.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

There is also intense survivor's guilt, to which Captain Leto can attest.

The New York Times

It would be pretty intense – all that guilt and death and love and passion – but, given the nimbleness of Eyre's versions, it could be done.

Independent

It was hard to watch them beat up on themselves, although their intense expressions of guilt seemed like signs of intact souls.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing feelings of "intense guilt", provide context to illustrate the cause and depth of the emotion. This helps readers understand the character's internal state.

Common error

Avoid using "intense guilt" when "intense shame" is more appropriate. Guilt arises from actions, while shame stems from a perceived flaw in character. Be precise in choosing the emotion that best fits the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense guilt" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'intense' modifies the noun 'guilt'. It describes the degree or strength of the feeling of guilt. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense guilt" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a strong feeling of remorse or regret. Ludwig AI indicates it appears across various domains, from news and media to scientific publications. While interchangeable with similar phrases like "overwhelming remorse" or "profound regret", choosing "intense guilt" appropriately requires considering the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey. Use it when you want to emphasize a powerful feeling of responsibility for a wrongdoing, avoiding confusion with related emotions like shame. Remember that understanding the source of the feeling and its impact enhances the message, making it clear and compelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelming remorse

Changes "intense guilt" to a synonym expressing a strong feeling of regret and sorrow.

profound regret

Uses an adjective with similar intensity but focuses on the act of regretting something.

deep shame

Shifts the focus from guilt to the feeling of humiliation and dishonor.

agonizing remorse

Highlights the painful aspect of regret, intensifying the emotional impact.

consuming guilt

Emphasizes how the guilt takes over one's thoughts and feelings.

crippling guilt

Illustrates how the guilt is debilitating and impairs normal functioning.

excruciating regret

Indicates a very painful and severe feeling of regret.

severe culpability

A more formal way of expressing strong guilt or blameworthiness.

haunting regret

Suggests that the regret lingers and persistently affects one's mind.

tormenting remorse

Highlights the suffering caused by the feeling of deep regret.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "intense guilt" in a sentence?

To effectively use "intense guilt", ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for the feeling and its impact on the subject. For instance, "He felt "intense guilt" after realizing the consequences of his decisions."

What are some alternatives to "intense guilt"?

Alternatives include "overwhelming remorse", "profound regret", or "deep shame", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "intense guilt" the same as "extreme guilt"?

"Intense guilt" and "extreme guilt" are very similar, both conveying a high degree of remorse. "Extreme guilt" might suggest a slightly higher level of severity, but they are often interchangeable.

When is it more appropriate to use "intense shame" versus "intense guilt"?

Use "intense shame" when the feeling arises from a sense of humiliation or dishonor related to one's character or identity. Use "intense guilt" when the feeling stems from regret over a specific action or inaction.