waves of guilt

USAGE SUMMARY

"waves of guilt" is a correct expression and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a feeling of guilt one experiences in waves, rather than being constant. For example: After realizing what she had done, she experienced waves of guilt.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Post-colonial immigrations have inspired waves of guilt and blame.

The New York Times - Arts

A Mother's Guilt Waves of guilt, shame and anger swept over the mother as she heard what had happened.

The New York Times

Why then the waves of guilt — worse than if I had been glued to more garden-variety miscreants?

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Gobodo-Madikizela touched his hand to comfort him and immediately felt overwhelmed by waves of guilt.

The New York Times - Arts

When his memory and empathy returned two years later, "I was inundated with waves and waves and waves of guilt," he said.

The New York Times

Or imagine the waves of guilt when you eat something you know you shouldn't as it could affect your chances of having a baby.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A wave of guilt washed over me.

The New York Times

A wave of guilt washes over Govan.

The Washington Post

A wave of guilt washes over me.

The Guardian - Travel

There are no aliens; there is not even a Freudian wave of guilt driving the monster.

The New Yorker

To learn that they would be integrated into the community brought with it a wave of guilt and sorrow about the years they'd been shut away.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waves of guilt" to effectively convey the fluctuating and recurring nature of feeling guilty, suggesting that the emotion comes and goes in intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "waves of guilt" to describe a constant, unwavering feeling of guilt. The phrase implies an ebb and flow, not a perpetual state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waves of guilt" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific emotional experience. It uses the metaphor of "waves" to convey the fluctuating and recurring nature of the feeling of guilt. This is consistent with Ludwig's explanation that it describes a feeling experienced in intervals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waves of guilt" is a grammatically correct and evocative way to describe the experience of guilt that comes and goes in intensity. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is suitable for written English, illustrating a recurring feeling rather than a constant state. Predominantly found in "News & Media" contexts, it effectively conveys fluctuating feelings of remorse or responsibility. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the episodic nature of the emotion, distinguishing it from a persistent sense of guilt. Consider alternative expressions like "feelings of remorse" or "pangs of conscience" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tidal wave of guilt

Emphasizes a very large and impactful feeling of guilt.

a wash of guilt

Similar to "waves", but uses "wash" to imply a more enveloping sensation.

overwhelmed by guilt

Focuses on the feeling of being overpowered by guilt.

feelings of remorse

Focuses specifically on the feeling of regret and sorrow for one's actions.

stricken with guilt

Implies a sudden and sharp onset of intense guilt.

pangs of conscience

Highlights the internal moral conflict and discomfort associated with guilt.

consumed by remorse

Indicates that the person is completely taken over by their regret.

a surge of regret

Emphasizes the sudden and overwhelming nature of regret.

remorseful feelings

A more general description of experiencing feelings of remorse.

burden of guilt

Highlights the oppressive and heavy nature of guilt.

FAQs

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

You can use "waves of guilt" to describe a recurring feeling of remorse. For example, "After the argument, she experienced "waves of guilt", replaying the harsh words in her mind."

What are some alternatives to "waves of guilt"?

Alternatives include "feelings of remorse", "pangs of conscience", or "a surge of regret", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of feeling guilty.

Is it grammatically correct to say "waves of guilt"?

Yes, "waves of guilt" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the sensation of guilt that comes and goes in intensity.

What does the phrase "waves of guilt" imply about the feeling?

The phrase "waves of guilt" suggests that the feeling is not constant but rather comes in intervals, similar to how waves in the ocean rise and fall.