are being shadowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being shadowed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is currently being followed or observed closely, often in a secretive manner. Example: "The company's activities are being shadowed by a group of investigative journalists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

You feel as though you are being shadowed".

The Guardian

A record number of politicians are being shadowed by Australian Federal Police this election because of growing security concerns, the Courier-Mail reports.

The Guardian

IPU President Pier Ferdinando Casini is committed to ensuring that parliamentarians will take decisive steps to support the millions of children whose lives are being shadowed – and curtailed – by AIDS.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The idea that conservatives are being "shadow banned" is the latest iteration of an idea, bubbling away since the last election, that conservatives are being silenced by social media companies.

The Guardian

Soon, he noticed that he was being shadowed by an NSA patrol car.

Yale University

The twist, this time around, is that Bure is being shadowed by a defenseman.

The New York Times - Sports

There, he discovers that he's being shadowed by a dead ringer for the young Samuel Beckett.

The New York Times - Books

At one point, she said, two customers who were being shadowed complained.

The New York Times

The court did not know, nor does it appear that Sinclair's counsel knew, the jury was being shadowed.

Cornell University

And Mr. Bruno, the state's top Republican, is being shadowed by a federal investigation into his business activities.

The New York Times

He was being shadowed by a German man, a quality-control inspector from Fruit Logistics, the company that had signed the export agreement with him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context supports the implication of secrecy or potential threat. If the observation is open or for benign purposes, consider alternatives like "are being monitored" or "are being observed".

Common error

Avoid using "are being shadowed" when the context involves simple monitoring or observation without a suggestion of secrecy or threat. Using it in these situations can create unintended connotations of paranoia or suspicion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being shadowed" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being followed or observed, often covertly. Ludwig AI provides examples in various contexts, from political figures to artistic endeavors, highlighting this active yet passive dynamic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are being shadowed" describes a state of covert observation or surveillance. According to Ludwig AI, which confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase, it is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, implying a deliberate act of following or monitoring, often with potential negative connotations. While relatively uncommon, its impact lies in the suggestion of secrecy and potential threat. When writing, use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the context aligns with the intended sense of covert surveillance. Consider alternatives like "are being monitored" or "are being watched" when the intent is simply to convey observation without the implication of secrecy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are under surveillance

This alternative suggests a formal and often legal observation, implying that activities are being monitored by authorities.

are being monitored

This indicates a general form of observation, often for security or performance reasons, without necessarily implying secrecy or threat.

are being watched

A more direct and general term for observation, which can imply casual or intentional scrutiny depending on context.

are being followed

This suggests physical tracking, often implying a pursuit or investigation.

are being tailed

Similar to "are being followed", but often implies a more covert and persistent form of tracking.

are under scrutiny

This suggests close examination and evaluation, often in response to concerns or questions.

are being tracked

This implies a systematic approach to following movements or progress, often using technology.

are being kept under observation

This is a formal way of saying that someone or something is being watched carefully, often for medical or security reasons.

are having their activities scrutinized

This suggests a thorough and critical examination of actions and behaviors.

are subject to observation

A formal and somewhat detached way of saying that someone or something is being watched.

FAQs

What does "are being shadowed" mean?

The phrase "are being shadowed" means someone or something is being closely followed or observed, often secretly. It implies more than just watching; it suggests a deliberate act of surveillance or monitoring.

When is it appropriate to use "are being shadowed" in a sentence?

Use "are being shadowed" when you want to convey a sense of covert observation, surveillance, or potential threat. For more neutral observation, consider alternatives like "are being monitored" or "are being observed".

What are some alternatives to "are being shadowed"?

Alternatives include "are under surveillance", "are being monitored", or "are being watched". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of implied secrecy or threat.

Is "are being shadowed" formal or informal?

The phrase "are being shadowed" is neither strictly formal nor informal; its perceived formality depends on the context. It's generally suitable for news reports, formal investigations, or situations where a sense of covert action is implied. More casual observation might be better described with "are being watched".