cast a shadow over

USAGE SUMMARY

"cast a shadow over" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something has a negative influence or effect on something. For example, "The scandal cast a shadow over the company's reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The case has cast a shadow over her campaign.

The New York Times

But the clouds cast a shadow over any positive developments.

The New York Times - Sports

That conflict with Armenia cast a shadow over Eurovision.

The New York Times

Indigence cast a shadow over everything he attempted.

The New Yorker

Both issues have cast a shadow over the mayor's campaign.

The New York Times

"It will cast a shadow over their policies".

The New York Times

Has my father cast a shadow over my life?

The Guardian

But the latest results cast a shadow over 2009.

The New York Times

His country's faltering relationship with the West cast a shadow over the event, however.

Independent

Our sudden, stupid dilemma cast a shadow over the whole trip.

The Guardian - Travel

But the drink's rising profile has cast a shadow over its once-popular progenitor, the Americano.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cast a shadow over" to convey a sense of negativity or misfortune affecting a situation, event, or person. It's most effective when the negative impact is significant but not necessarily devastating.

Common error

Avoid using "cast a shadow over" for minor inconveniences. The phrase implies a notable degree of negativity; for lesser issues, consider using milder expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast a shadow over" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an idiomatic expression. It is used to describe the action of something negative affecting or influencing something else in a detrimental way. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "cast a shadow over" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe something that negatively impacts a situation, event, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Wiki, and is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Related phrases include "overshadow", "tarnish", and "put a damper on". When using this phrase, ensure that the degree of negativity aligns with the situation at hand, as it implies a notable but not necessarily devastating impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overshadow

Single-word synonym that captures the essence of diminishing importance or creating a negative impact.

mar

Implies spoiling the perfection or completeness of something, similar to casting a shadow.

tarnish

Focuses on damaging the reputation or quality of something, akin to casting a negative light.

blight

Suggests a destructive force that negatively affects something's growth or well-being.

darken

Emphasizes making something less bright or positive, similar to a shadow's effect.

put a damper on

Highlights reducing enthusiasm or enjoyment, comparable to the discouraging effect of a shadow.

throw a pall over

Suggests a somber or gloomy atmosphere affecting something, akin to a shadow's darkness.

hang over

Implies a lingering negative presence or influence, similar to a persistent shadow.

color negatively

Focuses on influencing perception in an unfavorable way.

detract from

Highlights reducing the value or merit of something, much like a shadow diminishes light.

FAQs

How can I use "cast a shadow over" in a sentence?

Use "cast a shadow over" to describe how something negative affects something else. For example, "The scandal "cast a shadow over" the company's reputation".

What can I say instead of "cast a shadow over"?

You can use alternatives like "overshadow", "tarnish", or "put a damper on" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "cast a shadow over" in formal writing?

Yes, "cast a shadow over" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it's a widely understood idiom. However, ensure that the tone of your writing aligns with the level of formality required.

What's the difference between "cast a shadow over" and "cast a cloud over"?

While similar, ""cast a shadow over"" often implies a more lasting or significant negative impact than "cast a cloud over", which can suggest a temporary feeling of gloom.