pang of guilt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pang of guilt' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to express a feeling of remorse or regret. For example, "When he saw the homeless man begging on the street, John experienced a pang of guilt for not being able to do more to help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then I would feel a pang of guilt.

The New Yorker

Though not without a vague pang of guilt.

The New York Times - Arts

I felt a sudden, sharp pang of guilt.

The New York Times - Magazine

I wondered what prompted this pang of guilt.

The Guardian - Opinion

I feel a pang of guilt about my cancellations.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ordinary people will feel a pang of guilt".

The New York Times

We might feel a pang of guilt, but you can't be nice to everyone, right?

University of California, Berkeley

But I feel a pang of guilt for near on two miles.

The Guardian - Arts

Nobody had told Karan's grandmother about his resits, and for the first time he felt a pang of guilt.

The Guardian

He felt a pang of guilt, for there had been many times when he was a boy that he had dodged the wood box.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Both girls seemed entirely unperturbed by Sahar's decision, but it gave me a pang of guilt-laden anxiety.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pang of guilt" to convey a sudden, sharp feeling of remorse, often triggered by a specific event or realization. It suggests a fleeting but intense emotional response.

Common error

Avoid using "pang of guilt" to describe a continuous or long-term feeling of guilt. "Pang" implies a brief, acute sensation, not a persistent state. Use terms like "burden of guilt" or "lingering remorse" for chronic feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pang of guilt" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a sudden, sharp feeling or sensation of remorse, regret, or culpability. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it's used to express momentary emotional responses to specific situations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pang of guilt" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a sudden, sharp feeling of remorse or regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. The phrase effectively conveys a transient emotional state triggered by a specific event or realization. While alternatives like "feeling of remorse" or "wave of regret" exist, "pang of guilt" uniquely emphasizes the sudden and acute nature of the sensation. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure it accurately reflects a brief, intense feeling, rather than a prolonged state of guilt. Remember that a "pang" is a fleeting experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of remorse

Focuses on the emotional distress caused by one's actions.

wave of regret

Emphasizes the sudden and overwhelming nature of the feeling.

sense of culpability

Highlights the responsibility one feels for a wrong action.

moment of contrition

Implies a brief period of deep regret and repentance.

shadow of shame

Conveys the lingering presence of embarrassment and dishonor.

twinge of conscience

Suggests a slight but noticeable moral discomfort.

burden of responsibility

Highlights the weight of accountability for an action.

stab of regret

Uses more forceful, sharp imagery of the feeling.

a weight on one's conscience

Suggests ongoing mental stress caused by guilt.

awareness of wrongdoing

Focuses more on the knowledge of having done something wrong.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "pang of guilt" in a sentence?

Use "pang of guilt" to describe a sudden feeling of regret or remorse, often in response to a specific trigger. For example, "He felt a "pang of guilt" when he saw the hungry child."

What are some alternatives to "pang of guilt"?

Alternatives include "feeling of remorse", "wave of regret", or "sense of culpability", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "wave of guilt" instead of "pang of guilt"?

While "wave of guilt" is understandable, "pang of guilt" specifically implies a sudden, sharp feeling. "Wave of guilt" suggests a more overwhelming and sustained feeling, and depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "pang of guilt" from "feeling guilty"?

"Pang of guilt" refers to a specific, acute instance of feeling guilty. "Feeling guilty" is a more general term that can describe an ongoing state or a less intense sensation.