over my conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over my conscience" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a conflict or burden related to one's moral or ethical beliefs, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "I cannot go through with this decision; it weighs heavily over my conscience."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Me, all over my conscience.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was quoted saying, "I hope there are no dead because they would fall on my conscience" and having repeated over and over: "We're human.

The Guardian

"I've had a struggle with my conscience over this one," wrote Mr Afriyie, with a heavy heart.

The Economist

I spent the weekend grappling with my conscience over the sight of Rupert Murdoch getting married again at almost 85.

The Guardian

But my conscience could not over-ride my kick in the Fall annual luncheon meeting, at which little ladies in St. John knits with blue hair wearing hat and cotton gloves stood and reported on their summer.

Huffington Post

When I look through my darkened lenses at the girl in the sundress walking by, I wonder who she is, what she does, and if we could work out together; and for that moment I think a traditional relationship is possible, until I see the next girl and the same thoughts begin again, taking a grip over my self-conscience, frightening me into believing I can never be satisfied.

Huffington Post

And while I could definitely use the cash infusion that cashmere would bring, my conscience has won over my business sense.

Huffington Post

But, I heard from my own conscience and over and over again from employees who wanted "something to be done" I had watched as nothing was being done.

Huffington Post

It was only on page eighteen of the LA Times...Phil Ochs, a man of conscience, was reading it over my shoulder.

Huffington Post

The woman behind the voice is just as magnetic, a guilt-struck seductress with an over-developed social conscience who cannot help herself, never mind anyone else.

The Guardian

Not being involved — choosing career over conscience — was O.K. "It ripped my brain out of my head and threw it back in upside down," Ms. Mirza said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for more common and clear phrases like "on my conscience" or "weighing on my conscience" to express feelings of guilt, moral burden, or ethical conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "over" when describing a moral burden affecting you. "Over" often implies spatial relationships or dominance, which doesn't align with the intended meaning of a moral weight. Instead, choose prepositions like "on" or "upon" to accurately convey the feeling of being burdened by something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over my conscience" functions as a prepositional phrase that aims to express a connection between an action or event and one's moral awareness. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrase is not standard and lacks clarity in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "over my conscience" is an uncommon and grammatically questionable expression for conveying a sense of moral burden or conflict. Ludwig AI analysis suggests that it does not follow standard English usage and lacks clarity. While some sources, primarily in the News & Media category, employ this phrase, it is advisable to opt for more established and clearer alternatives like "on my conscience", which effectively convey the intended meaning and are less prone to misinterpretation. When expressing feelings of guilt or ethical unease, prioritizing precision and clarity ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on my conscience

Emphasizes the direct burden or weight of something affecting one's moral compass.

weighing on my conscience

Highlights the persistent and troubling nature of a moral burden.

troubling my conscience

Focuses on the disruptive and unsettling effect on one's moral sense.

a burden on my conscience

Identifies a specific issue as a source of moral guilt or responsibility.

a weight on my soul

Uses more evocative language to describe a heavy moral or spiritual burden.

haunting my thoughts

Focuses on the recurring and intrusive nature of guilt or regret.

preying on my mind

Highlights the persistent and negative influence on one's mental state.

against my better judgment

Indicates acting against one's informed moral sense.

contrary to my beliefs

Highlights the conflict between an action and one's deeply held moral principles.

a moral dilemma for me

Identifies the presence of a situation that requires choosing between conflicting moral imperatives.

FAQs

What does it mean to have something "on my conscience"?

Having something "on my conscience" means feeling guilt or regret about something you have done or failed to do. It indicates a moral burden that affects your peace of mind.

Is it correct to say something is "over my conscience"?

While you might encounter the phrase "over my conscience", it is not considered standard English. A more common and accepted phrase is "on my conscience", which effectively conveys the intended meaning. Ludwig AI indicates that "over my conscience" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.

What can I say instead of "over my conscience"?

You can use more common alternatives like "on my conscience", "weighing on my conscience", or "troubling my conscience" to express a moral burden or feeling of guilt.

How does "on my conscience" differ from "against my better judgment"?

"On my conscience" describes the feeling of guilt after doing something wrong, while "against my better judgment" describes acting despite knowing it might be wrong or unwise. The first phrase focuses on remorse, while the second focuses on the decision-making process.