trace of remorse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trace of remorse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight or faint feeling of regret or guilt that someone may have about their actions. Example: "Despite his confident demeanor, there was a trace of remorse in his voice when he spoke about the decision he made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

'If I had realised then what she would become, I would have killed her the instant her mother delivered her,' he said with no trace of remorse.

The Guardian

Judge Peter Murphy described it as a "very sad case", but he said he saw "no trace of remorse" in her.

The Guardian

When Republicans borked the Democratic House Speaker Jim Wright less than two years later, there wasn't a trace of remorse, not after what the Democrats had done to Bork.

The New York Times

Yet Smith returned without a trace of remorse, referring to Sunday's loss as "a minor hiccup" and insisting that his teammates had "a great chance to win the game".

The New York Times - Sports

"In interviewing more than 50 veterans of the Mossad and military intelligence, I found not a single trace of remorse," wrote Aaron J Klein, author of a book about the operation.

The Guardian - Film

Ripley shows no trace of remorse for what he has done.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

And she did all this without a hint of remorse.

The Guardian - Sport

By expressing, longhand, all the things you still feel towards him or her, you can sometimes expunge any last traces of desire or remorse still swirling around inside your belly.

Huffington Post

Her lack of remorse was also astounding.

Independent

"In terms of remorse, Your Honor, I can't imagine more remorse," he said.

The New Yorker

He showed no signs of remorse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reaction to a past event, use "trace of remorse" to subtly indicate that they feel a slight amount of regret without explicitly stating it.

Common error

Be mindful that using "trace of remorse" might downplay situations that call for stronger expressions of regret or guilt. Instead, use more impactful phrases like "deep remorse" or "profound regret" when the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace of remorse" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a preposition or a subject complement, describing the presence (or absence) of a feeling of regret or guilt, as evidenced by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trace of remorse" is a grammatically sound and subtly descriptive expression indicating a slight feeling of regret or guilt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often found in news and media contexts, conveying nuanced emotions without being overly dramatic. While "trace of remorse" is not extremely common, with a "Uncommon" frequency rating, it offers a precise way to depict a minimal level of repentance. For stronger emotions, consider alternatives like "deep remorse" or "profound regret". As per Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous sources, the phrase is well-regarded for its appropriate usage and clarity in expressing subtle feelings of regret.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of regret

This alternative suggests a slight indication of feeling sorry for something.

slight twinge of guilt

This phrase implies a small, sudden feeling of culpability.

faint feeling of regret

This option denotes a weak or barely perceptible feeling of sorrow.

subtle sign of contrition

This suggests a delicate or understated expression of remorse.

shadow of repentance

This evokes a figurative, almost imperceptible indication of feeling sorry and willing to atone.

whisper of remorse

Implies a very quiet or barely noticeable feeling of regret.

tinge of regret

This phrase suggests that the regret is a slight coloring or influence on someone's feelings.

vestige of guilt

Indicates a remaining, small amount of guilt.

degree of compunction

Compunction implies a stronger feeling of anxiety arising from awareness of guilt, making this alternative somewhat stronger than the original phrase.

iota of regret

An "iota" signifies a tiny amount, suggesting an almost negligible level of remorse.

FAQs

How can I use "trace of remorse" in a sentence?

You can use "trace of remorse" to describe a subtle feeling of regret or guilt. For example, "Despite his outward confidence, there was a "trace of remorse" in his voice when he discussed the decision."

What are some alternatives to "trace of remorse"?

Alternatives include "hint of regret", "slight twinge of guilt", or "faint feeling of regret", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "hint of remorse" instead of "trace of remorse"?

Yes, "hint of remorse" is a correct and similar phrase. "Hint" and "trace" both suggest a small amount or indication of a feeling, so they are often interchangeable in this context.

What's the difference between "remorse" and "regret"?

"Remorse" implies a deeper sense of guilt and sorrow for wrongdoing, often involving a sense of responsibility. "Regret" is a more general feeling of sadness or disappointment about something that has happened or something one has done or failed to do. Therefore, a ""trace of remorse"" suggests a stronger feeling than a "trace of regret".