with a clear conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a clear conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that one feels morally right or justified in their actions or decisions. Example: "After helping the community, I can walk away from this project with a clear conscience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I'm going to win this with a clear conscience".

The Guardian

"I walked away with a clear conscience … no longer scared".

The Guardian

So Mr. Corzine can leave Washington with a clear conscience.

The New York Times

He's an enabler with a clear conscience, not a user.

The New York Times

Bronislaw Geremek died with a clear conscience and clean hands.

The Guardian - Opinion

May she take the washer-dryer with a clear conscience?

The New York Times - Magazine

She lies to him, but with a clear conscience.

The New York Times

As for me, it is with a clear conscience that I go to meet my Maker.

The New Yorker

If you're clear about your motives, then you can cover any subject with a clear conscience.

Independent

We can neuter them with a clear conscience, because abstinence is not one of their options.

The New Yorker

Make your point, say your piece and then keep quiet with a clear conscience.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with a clear conscience", ensure the context clearly explains the actions or decisions that led to this state of mind. This provides transparency and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "with a clear conscience" sarcastically or when your actions are clearly unethical. This undermines your credibility and makes your statement appear insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a clear conscience" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It describes the state of mind or moral justification behind the action, as exemplified by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Books

15%

Lifestyle

4%

Less common in

Arts

4%

Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with a clear conscience" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a sense of moral justification and freedom from guilt after a decision or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. While it's suitable for neutral to formal settings, writers should avoid using it sarcastically or when their actions are clearly unethical to maintain credibility. Related phrases, such as "guilt-free" and "without remorse", offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. Be sure to clearly explain the context surrounding your actions when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guilt-free

This single-word adjective directly conveys the absence of guilt, a core component of having a clear conscience.

without remorse

Emphasizes the lack of regret or sorrow, highlighting a key aspect of acting "with a clear conscience".

feeling justified

Focuses on the sense of having a valid reason for one's actions, aligning with the idea of a clear conscience.

morally sound

Highlights the ethical correctness of the actions, emphasizing the moral aspect of the phrase.

in good faith

Indicates honesty and sincerity in one's actions, suggesting a lack of deceptive intent and a clear conscience.

with integrity

Emphasizes adherence to strong moral principles, suggesting actions are aligned with one's values and conscience.

feeling no compunction

Indicates a lack of hesitation or guilt about one's actions, similar to acting "with a clear conscience".

at peace with oneself

Suggests inner harmony and acceptance of one's actions, reflecting a clear conscience and lack of internal conflict.

free from moral burden

Highlights the absence of guilt or ethical weight, similar to the lightness associated with a clear conscience.

with a clean heart

Emphasizes the purity and innocence of one's intentions, suggesting actions are performed "with a clear conscience".

FAQs

How can I use "with a clear conscience" in a sentence?

You can use "with a clear conscience" to express a lack of guilt or moral wrongdoing. For example, "I resigned from the company "with a clear conscience" because I knew it was the right thing to do."

What does it mean to do something "with a clear conscience"?

Doing something "with a clear conscience" means that you believe your actions are morally justifiable and that you feel no guilt or regret about them. It suggests you've acted in accordance with your values.

Are there synonyms for "with a clear conscience"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "guilt-free", "without remorse", or "feeling justified" as alternatives to "with a clear conscience".

Is it better to say "with a clear conscience" or "with a clean conscience"?

"With a clear conscience" and "with a clean conscience" are often used interchangeably, but "clear" emphasizes transparency and lack of moral ambiguity, while "clean" highlights purity and absence of stain.