shadow of guilt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shadow of guilt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lingering feeling of guilt that affects someone's thoughts or actions. Example: "Even after apologizing, she felt a shadow of guilt following her, reminding her of the hurt she had caused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

By Elizabeth Dakin and Brendan Gill The New Yorker, April 20 , 1946P. 21 A mother had finished tucking her ten-year-old boy into bed and was about to switch off his radio the other evening when he grabbed her arm and begged, "Please don't turn it off yet - not until she gets out from under the shadow of guilt".

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, April 20 , 1946P. 21 A mother had finished tucking her ten-year-old boy into bed and was about to switch off his radio the other evening when he grabbed her arm and begged, "Please don't turn it off yet - not until she gets out from under the shadow of guilt".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

His reassurance carries shadows of guilt and doubt, which gradually lengthen.

The New York Times - Arts

Broken windows cast shadows of guilt that led to frequent stops of young males for being black and looking "suspicious".

The New York Times

"The angel said, A father's guilt falls on the heads of his children, and the shadow of Joseph's guilt already darkens his son's brow," Saramago writes.

The New Yorker

This is the year that the last scintilla of a hint of a vestige of a scrap of a shadow of a hint of guilt is gone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now in his mid-30s, the reclusive Clive remains shadowed by his feelings of guilt, to the point of literally beating his head against the wall.

The New York Times

No peep of guilt, no shadow of regret, is allowed to spoil the procession.

Independent

"If I had darker skin, or was carrying a different passport, the cast of guilt, the shadow, would go a lot longer".

The New Yorker

Hitchcock was never more Kafkaesque, as he depicts a world of order and discipline that turns its cold mechanisms on one of its most dutiful citizens and shadows him with a sense of guilt that transcends any earthly crime and enters the realm of the metaphysical and the religious.

The New Yorker

"He had a motive in the sense that he was in a serious conflict with his brother but there is not the shadow of an element pointing to his guilt which could justify keeping him in custody".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shadow of guilt" to describe situations where the feeling of guilt is not overwhelming but subtly influences actions or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "shadow of guilt" to directly accuse someone of wrongdoing without sufficient evidence; it's better suited for describing internal feelings or lingering doubts rather than concrete accusations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shadow of guilt" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of being. It's often used to express a lingering or subtle feeling of culpability or responsibility. Examples from Ludwig illustrate how it describes the lingering effects of guilt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shadow of guilt" is a phrase used to describe a lingering or subtle feeling of culpability. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability, commonly found in News & Media contexts. While not overly frequent, it effectively conveys a sense of subtle emotional weight. When employing this phrase, clarity about the source of the guilt and a fitting narrative context are important for clarity. It is suitable for both formal and informal writing but particularly effective in descriptive and narrative situations. Consider using alternatives like "lingering guilt" or "burden of guilt" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lingering guilt

Focuses on the persistence of the guilty feeling.

burden of guilt

Emphasizes the weight and oppressiveness of the guilty feeling.

stain of guilt

Highlights the damaging and lasting effect of guilt.

cloud of guilt

Suggests a pervasive and obscuring sense of guilt.

weight of culpability

Replaces "guilt" with a more formal synonym and highlights responsibility.

feeling of remorse

Shifts the focus to the emotional aspect of regret.

sense of shame

Emphasizes the feeling of dishonor or disgrace.

pang of conscience

Indicates a sudden sharp feeling of guilt or regret.

moral burden

Broadens the scope to include ethical responsibilities.

remnants of regret

Focuses on the remaining traces of regret after an action.

FAQs

How can the phrase "shadow of guilt" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "shadow of guilt" is used to describe a lingering feeling of culpability or responsibility for a wrong action, even after some time has passed. Example: "Even though he was acquitted, a "shadow of guilt" remained over him in the eyes of the public."

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "shadow of guilt"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives like "lingering guilt", "burden of guilt", or "cloud of guilt" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "shadow of guilt" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "shadow of guilt" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although it tends to be more common in narrative or descriptive contexts.

What is the difference between "shadow of guilt" and "feeling of guilt"?

"Shadow of guilt" suggests a lingering, less intense feeling that still affects one's perception, whereas "feeling of guilt" is a more direct and immediate emotional experience.