Your English writing platform
Discover LudwigThe phrase "are a shadow of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is a diminished or lesser version of something else, often implying a sense of loss or decline.
Example: "The once vibrant community is now a shadow of its former self, struggling to maintain its identity."
Alternatives: "are a mere reflection of" or "are a pale imitation of".
Exact(29)
The holdings are a shadow of what they once were.
Today's unions are a shadow of those that humiliated James Callaghan's government.
In Gaza City, the rush-hour traffic jams are a shadow of what they used to be.
Formerly brilliant investigative programmes like Panorama are a shadow of their former selves, with big budgets but small ambition.
About 55% of Texas—94m acres is under ranch management, though the huge ranches that remain are a shadow of their former selves.
If viewers have seen prints at their best, what purpose does it serve to reproduce prints that are a shadow of what they can be?
Similar(31)
A decade later, Olds was a shadow of its former self; its sales had fallen by two-thirds.
Today Kelly is a shadow of himself from a year ago.
It is a shadow of itself.
Everywhere was a shadow of death.
The guy is a shadow of himself!
More suggestions(2)
Write better and faster with AI suggestions while staying true to your unique style.
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com