on my conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on my conscience' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe the feeling that someone has when they believe that they have done something wrong or morally wrong. For example, “I have never lied to her, and I want to keep it that way- it’s a burden I carry on my conscience.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I hope no one died because it will weigh on my conscience," he said.

BBC

I hope no one's been killed because they'll be on my conscience".

The Guardian

It had been preying on my conscience.

The New Yorker

That plays on my conscience".

The Guardian

"I wouldn't want that on my conscience".

The New York Times

It's been on my conscience ever since".

The New York Times

I've already got enough pros on my conscience.

Independent

I did not want that on my conscience.

The New York Times

I will choose my policies based on my conscience.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have nothing weighing on my conscience," he says.

The Guardian

I won't be sitting with that on my conscience.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on my conscience" to express a sense of guilt or responsibility for something that has happened. It's often used when you feel you could have prevented a negative outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "on my conscience" when the outcome was genuinely beyond your control. The phrase implies a degree of personal responsibility, so ensure that aligns with the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on my conscience" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a state of guilt, regret, or moral burden. It expresses a subjective feeling of responsibility for an action or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on my conscience" is a well-established and grammatically correct way to express feelings of guilt, regret, or moral responsibility. As Ludwig AI points out, this prepositional phrase is commonly found in News & Media. When considering alternative phrasings, it's important to select one that accurately reflects the specific nuance you intend to convey, whether it's a deep spiritual burden or a more general sense of unease. Remember to use this phrase when there is a true feeling of personal responsability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weighing heavily on my mind

This alternative emphasizes the mental burden and preoccupation associated with the issue.

a burden I carry

This alternative highlights the ongoing nature of the responsibility and emotional weight.

preying on my thoughts

This suggests a more intrusive and unsettling presence in one's mind.

haunting my waking hours

This alternative has a stronger sense of persistent remorse and mental anguish.

a weight on my soul

This conveys a deeper, more spiritual sense of burden and moral responsibility.

keeping me up at night

This focuses on the anxiety and sleeplessness caused by the issue.

playing on my mind

This alternative is a more general expression of something that is bothering or concerning someone.

something I regret deeply

This emphasizes the feeling of remorse and sorrow for a past action.

a matter of moral concern for me

This alternative places a stronger emphasis on the moral aspect of the issue.

a cause of personal anguish

This alternative highlights the deep personal suffering and emotional distress caused by the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "on my conscience" in a sentence?

You can use "on my conscience" to express a feeling of guilt or responsibility for something. For example, "I hope no one died because it will weigh "on my conscience"".

What does it mean for something to be "on my conscience"?

It means that you feel guilty or responsible for something that happened, and it bothers you. It implies a moral or ethical burden you carry.

Are there situations where it's inappropriate to use "on my conscience"?

Yes, if you had no control over the situation or played no part in the outcome, using "on my conscience" would be inaccurate. Save it for scenarios where you feel genuinely responsible.

What are some alternatives to saying "on my conscience"?

Alternatives include "weighing heavily on my mind", "a burden I carry", or "preying on my thoughts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.