are shadowed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are shadowed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one thing is overshadowed or influenced by another, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The achievements of the team are shadowed by the controversies surrounding their leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Anil's insights are shadowed by memories from her childhood.

The New York Times - Books

Even his clearest lessons are shadowed by ambiguity.

The New York Times - Magazine

His movements now are shadowed by a phalanx of corporate-provided security.

The New York Times

Mr Rutte's liberals are shadowed by the anti-immigrant, Eurosceptic PVV, led by Geert Wilders.

The Economist

In the watercolors here his figures are shadowed by stormy, lightning-streaked skies.

The New York Times - Arts

But even those theories that do get replicated are shadowed by uncertainty.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Soon their joy is shadowed by foreboding.

The New York Times

The campaign was shadowed by mortality.

The New York Times - Books

But it was shadowed by some disappointment.

The New York Times

Yet Hamilton was shadowed by merciless slander.

The New York Times

Arthur Miller's adaptation was shadowed by McCarthyism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are shadowed by" to subtly indicate a negative influence or looming presence, rather than a direct and obvious control.

Common error

Avoid using "are shadowed by" in literal contexts where "are shaded by" would be more appropriate. Reserve "are shadowed by" for metaphorical or figurative uses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are shadowed by" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is being acted upon, specifically being influenced or obscured by something else. The Ludwig AI examples show this in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are shadowed by" is a versatile and commonly used expression that subtly conveys influence, oversight, or diminished visibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it maintains correct grammar and finds frequent application across varied writing styles, notably within news, scientific, and formal business domains. While "are shadowed by" can be employed to add depth and nuance to writing, remember to use it in appropriate contexts and be mindful of its generally negative implications. Consider alternatives like "are overshadowed by" or "are influenced by" when seeking to adjust the degree of emphasis. Be mindful of overusing it in literal contexts where "are shaded by" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are overshadowed by

Replaces 'shadowed' with 'overshadowed', emphasizing the degree of dominance or obscuration.

are influenced by

Focuses on the effect one thing has on another, suggesting a causal relationship.

are clouded by

Implies a sense of ambiguity or uncertainty obscuring something.

are monitored by

Highlights the act of being watched or supervised, implying a level of scrutiny.

are haunted by

Conveys a sense of being persistently affected by something negative or troubling.

are governed by

Focuses on the controlling or regulatory aspect of one thing over another.

are attended by

Emphasizes presence and accompaniment rather than direct influence.

are restrained by

Emphasizes the limitation or restriction imposed by something.

are trailed by

Suggests a pursuit or following, often with a sense of secrecy or surveillance.

are circumscribed by

Highlights the boundaries or limits set by something else.

FAQs

How can I use "are shadowed by" in a sentence?

You can use "are shadowed by" to describe how something is negatively influenced or overshadowed by another thing. For example: "The team's success are shadowed by recent controversies."

What's the difference between "are shadowed by" and "are overshadowed by"?

While similar, "are overshadowed by" implies a more significant degree of dominance and obscurity than "are shadowed by". Think of "are overshadowed by" as a stronger, more pronounced effect.

What can I say instead of "are shadowed by"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives such as "are influenced by", "are affected by", or "are eclipsed by".

Is it always negative to say something is "shadowed by" something else?

Generally, yes. The phrase "are shadowed by" suggests a negative influence or a looming, often undesirable, presence. It indicates that something positive or neutral is being diminished or threatened.