self reproach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self reproach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of guilt or disappointment in oneself for a perceived failure or mistake. Example: "After realizing the impact of his decision, he was filled with self reproach for not considering the consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The only thing out of the ordinary was the inscription on the fly leaf: "Self Reproach".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Self-reproach for being a corporate gangsta?

The New York Times - Books

Trips to bookshops become orgies of self-reproach and humiliation.

The Guardian - Books

Stealing from her son sent Cleveland into a spiral of self-reproach, and damaged their relationship.

The New Yorker

He feels a rush of self-reproach, before commanding himself to be still and listen.

The New Yorker

When Dickey replied sternly to this attack, though, Wright collapsed into contrition and self-reproach.

The New Yorker

When Canning extricated Britain from its European commitments, Wellington was left to bitter self-reproach.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In general, the life of a middling-successful car salesman fills him with self-reproach.

The New York Times

What often results is a particular kind of self-reproach that might be called museum guilt.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Strathairn delivers these lines with a weary self-reproach that suffuses all the performances.

The New York Times

The Postscript implies that her lover has, in effect, condemned her to this bitter self-reproach.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, ensure the subject experiencing "self reproach" is clearly identified, either explicitly (e.g., 'He felt self reproach') or implicitly through context.

Common error

Avoid using "self reproach" when describing external criticism or blame from others. "Self reproach" is an internally directed feeling. If someone is being blamed by others, use terms like "criticism", "reproach", or "censure" instead.

Linguistic Context

"Self reproach" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a state or feeling of disappointment or blame directed towards oneself. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows its usage in describing internal emotions and reflections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self reproach" is a noun phrase used to describe the feeling of disappointment or regret directed towards oneself. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and sees frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. While it can be replaced with alternatives like "self-blame" or "remorse", each carries subtle differences in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an internal feeling of accountability. This ensures clarity and precision in expressing the intended sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guilt

Directly refers to the feeling of responsibility for wrongdoing, which is a key component of self-reproach.

self-blame

Focuses specifically on taking responsibility for something negative, shifting the emphasis from regret to culpability.

regret

Focuses on the feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened or been done.

self-condemnation

Implies a stronger, more severe judgment of oneself compared to simple reproach.

self-criticism

Highlights the act of critically evaluating oneself, which may or may not lead to feelings of regret.

remorse

Emphasizes the deep regret and sorrow felt for past actions, often implying a desire to undo them.

contrition

Suggests a sincere feeling of regret and repentance, often associated with seeking forgiveness.

compunction

Refers to a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.

self-disgust

Implies a stronger feeling of revulsion towards oneself, suggesting a more intense emotional reaction.

anguish

Highlights the severe mental or physical suffering caused by regret or guilt.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "self reproach" in a sentence?

Use "self reproach" to describe a personal feeling of disappointment or regret for one's own actions. For instance, "After realizing his mistake, he was filled with "self reproach"".

What are some alternatives to "self reproach" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "self-blame", "remorse", or "guilt". Each carries slightly different nuances.

Is "self reproach" the same as "self-criticism"?

While related, "self reproach" implies a feeling of disappointment or regret, whereas "self-criticism" focuses more on the act of evaluating oneself critically. One might engage in self-criticism without necessarily feeling self reproach.

When is it appropriate to use "self reproach" in writing?

It's appropriate when describing a character's internal feelings of regret, guilt, or disappointment towards their own actions or inactions. It can be used in both formal and informal writing contexts.