pangs of guilt

USAGE SUMMARY

"pangs of guilt" is an idiom that can be used in written English.
It carries the connotation of feeling intense guilt or regret. For example: The man felt pangs of guilt for not telling his friend the truth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

My own hangover came with pangs of guilt.

The New York Times

Later that evening, I felt a few pangs of guilt.

The New York Times

ago and still often feel pangs of guilt that I couldn't help him (alcoholism/depression).

The New Yorker

Wood said he had felt occasional pangs of guilt, especially when there was news of casualties.

The New York Times - Sports

Nothing has happened between them yet, but she's already feeling pangs of guilt.

The New York Times

What some people did to acquire them may still cause them pangs of guilt.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet, he feels pangs of guilt for the deceased girl he abandoned in his youth.

The Guardian

The buzz: "It's so wistfully sad that you almost feel pangs of guilt for enjoying it.

The Guardian - Music

Laura's maternal instincts towards Ryan are juxtaposed with pangs of guilt that she is taking her sister's place.

Independent

When that world tumbled into full-fledged crisis at the end of 2008, pangs of guilt shot through her.

The New York Times - Magazine

As I settled into my new life, I started having serious pangs of guilt regarding London's coming arrival.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pangs of guilt" to vividly describe a sudden and sharp feeling of guilt, often in response to a specific action or thought. It is most effective when the guilt is temporary or intermittent.

Common error

Avoid using "pangs of guilt" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "feelings of remorse" or "waves of regret" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pangs of guilt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the experience of feeling sudden and sharp twinges of guilt. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pangs of guilt" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe sudden, sharp feelings of remorse or culpability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, although most frequently encountered in News & Media. To enhance your writing, consider using this phrase when you wish to vividly depict an intermittent feeling of guilt. However, avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms such as "feelings of remorse" to add variety. Remember that "pangs of guilt" denotes a more acute and immediate sensation compared to a general "sense of guilt".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feelings of remorse

Changes the idiom to a more straightforward description of feeling bad about something.

waves of regret

Uses "waves" instead of "pangs" to describe the intensity of regret.

bouts of conscience

Focuses on conscience as the source of the discomfort, replacing guilt directly.

moments of culpability

Emphasizes the feeling of being responsible for something wrong.

troubled by conscience

Indicates that the conscience is causing distress or worry.

burdened by guilt

Suggests that guilt is a heavy weight that someone is carrying.

suffering from regret

States the experience of suffering due to past actions or inactions.

haunted by remorse

Implies that remorse is persistently affecting someone's mental state.

pricks of conscience

Uses a different metaphor to describe the feeling of guilt as a small, sharp sensation.

sense of wrongdoing

Simplifies the phrase to a basic understanding of having done something wrong.

FAQs

How can I use "pangs of guilt" in a sentence?

You can use "pangs of guilt" to describe a sudden, sharp feeling of guilt or regret. For example, "He felt "pangs of guilt" after forgetting his anniversary."

What's a similar phrase to "pangs of guilt"?

Alternatives include "feelings of remorse", "waves of regret", or "bouts of conscience". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "pangs of guilt" or "sense of guilt"?

"Pangs of guilt" suggests a more acute and sudden feeling, while "sense of guilt" implies a more general and persistent feeling of guilt. Choose the phrase that best fits the intensity and duration of the emotion you're describing.

Can "pangs of guilt" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "pangs of guilt" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. While it is a vivid phrase, it is widely understood and accepted in various contexts, as shown by its frequent use in news and media.