prick of conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prick of conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of guilt or moral discomfort about something one has done or is considering doing. Example: "After lying to her friend, she felt a prick of conscience that made her reconsider her actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I wonder whether the person who poisoned her ever felt a prick of conscience.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Semantics Even when everybody agrees that terminal sedation is a humane response to unyielding suffering, many doctors seem to feel a prick of conscience.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Instead of seeing such obstacles as prohibitive, I view them as pricks of conscience for an industry that is constantly evaluating its social contribution and corporate practices.

The Guardian

I, too, sympathize with Jesse, appreciate his pricks of conscience, feel stricken when he suffers, root for his redemption, and feel very differently about him generally than I do about his mentor and partner in crime.

The New York Times

"I said 'if we play properly, we'll score a few today' and in the second half we did that, it was just a little prick of their conscience.

BBC

That is, of course, if you can stand the prick of your own conscience.

The New Yorker

Last month, Charlene posted an open letter, her third, the purpose of which was to prick the conscience of someone who might know why Lauren disappeared.

The New York Times

Lyndon Johnson was able to prick the conscience of just enough of white America, to cajole and pressure just enough legislators, and to make a startling alliance between the White House and the radicals in the streets.

Huffington Post

Gun had hoped the leak would prick the conscience of the British public, large sections of which were already taking to the streets in opposition to the war.

The Guardian

Perhaps their poems will prick the conscience of a nation".

The Guardian - Books

"We've got to prick the conscience of this nation," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prick of conscience" to describe a sudden, often minor, feeling of guilt or moral discomfort, especially when someone is beginning to question their actions.

Common error

While "prick of conscience" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced or professional alternatives like "moral qualm" or "sense of ethical concern".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prick of conscience" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a specific type of feeling, namely a sudden, often minor, sensation of guilt or moral unease. As shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, it often follows verbs like 'feel'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prick of conscience" is a noun phrase used to describe a sudden feeling of guilt or moral unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media sources. While not overly formal, it conveys a sense of internal conflict or moral questioning. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "moral qualm" or "sense of ethical concern" may be more appropriate. Be mindful of the context and audience when using this phrase to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of guilt

A general feeling of responsibility or regret for a wrongdoing.

twinge of guilt

This suggests a sudden, sharp feeling of guilt, often less intense than a "prick of conscience".

uneasy conscience

Describes a state of persistent discomfort due to guilt.

pang of regret

Focuses more on the sorrow or disappointment associated with a past action.

troubled conscience

Similar to uneasy conscience but suggests a deeper level of distress.

wave of remorse

Implies a stronger, more overwhelming feeling of regret and guilt.

remorseful feeling

Focuses on the emotional aspect of regret and repentance.

feeling of compunction

A more formal term for a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.

moral qualm

Highlights a hesitation or doubt based on moral principles.

fleeting guilt

Emphasizes the brief and transient nature of the feeling of guilt.

FAQs

How can I use "prick of conscience" in a sentence?

You can use "prick of conscience" to describe a sudden feeling of guilt or moral unease. For example, "After exaggerating her qualifications, she felt a "prick of conscience"".

What's a less common alternative to "prick of conscience"?

A less common, more formal alternative to "prick of conscience" could be "feeling of compunction", which implies a stronger sense of guilt or regret.

Is "prick of conscience" suitable for formal writing?

While understandable, "prick of conscience" may be perceived as informal in some contexts. Consider alternatives like "moral qualm" or "ethical dilemma" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "twinge of guilt" and "prick of conscience"?

A "twinge of guilt" suggests a brief, sharp feeling, while "prick of conscience" implies a slightly more persistent or nagging moral discomfort.