chasing shadows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chasing shadows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe pursuing something elusive or unattainable, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "He spent years chasing shadows, trying to find a meaning in his life that always seemed just out of reach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We were just chasing shadows".

The Guardian - Sport

One senses that much of their time is spent chasing shadows.

Independent

At times, Chelsea appeared to be chasing shadows of these opponents.

The New York Times - Sports

This, too, is fueling a time of outrage that has left Western politicians chasing shadows.

The New York Times

On a sunny afternoon Seattle were left chasing shadows, literally and metaphorically.

The Guardian - Sport

"Quite frankly, I don't know why he wants to spend six months chasing shadows".

The New York Times

Castres were playing sevens by then and we were chasing shadows".

The Guardian - Sport

Oh that, I said, they're just chasing shadows, shooting scenes for background.

The New Yorker

"Six weeks and 10 games later, they are still chasing shadows," Superdeporte sighed.

The Guardian - Sport

An elusive evening that leaves both director and audience still chasing shadows.

The Guardian

"This time of year," Ms. Munson said, "Jared is chasing shadows and I'm chasing the flowers, which are fleeting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chasing shadows" when you want to convey the futility of pursuing something that is unreal, deceptive, or constantly out of reach. It's particularly effective in describing situations where efforts are misdirected or based on false assumptions.

Common error

Avoid using "chasing shadows" in contexts where a literal pursuit of shadows is meant. The phrase is almost exclusively used metaphorically; using it literally can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "chasing shadows" functions as a verbal phrase, often used as a continuous verb form (e.g., "is chasing shadows", "were chasing shadows"). It describes an action—the act of pursuing—but the object of that action is intangible or illusory. Ludwig confirms its acceptability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chasing shadows" is a commonly used idiom that describes the futile pursuit of something unattainable or deceptive. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical structure is correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to highlight the misdirection of effort and resources. When using this phrase, ensure the metaphorical context is clear to avoid misinterpretation. For alternatives, consider phrases like ""pursuing illusions"" or ""hunting phantoms"" to tailor the nuance to your specific needs. The phrase’s pervasive presence in reputable sources underscores its relevance and utility in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursuing illusions

Focuses on the deceptive nature of what is being pursued.

hunting phantoms

Emphasizes the unreal or ghostly quality of the pursuit's object.

running after a will-o'-the-wisp

Highlights the futility and misleading nature of the pursuit, often leading nowhere.

barking at the moon

Implies a futile, noisy, and ultimately pointless endeavor.

grasping at straws

Suggests a desperate attempt to salvage a situation, even with flimsy means.

tilting at windmills

Implies fighting imaginary enemies or engaging in unrealistic battles.

on a fool's errand

Describes a task that is pointless or certain to fail from the outset.

looking for a needle in a haystack

Highlights the extreme difficulty and improbability of finding what is sought.

following a pipe dream

Focuses on the unrealistic and fanciful nature of the pursued goal.

searching for fool's gold

Emphasizes the deceptive appearance of value in something that is ultimately worthless.

FAQs

How can I use "chasing shadows" in a sentence?

You can use "chasing shadows" to describe pursuing something unattainable or deceptive. For example: "The investigation felt like "chasing shadows", with no real leads to follow."

What is a good alternative to "chasing shadows"?

Alternatives include "pursuing illusions", "hunting phantoms", or "following a pipe dream", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "chasing shadows" in formal writing?

Yes, "chasing shadows" is appropriate for formal writing when used metaphorically to describe a futile or misdirected pursuit. However, ensure the context makes the intended meaning clear.

What does it mean to say someone is "barking at the moon" versus "chasing shadows"?

While both imply futility, ""chasing shadows"" suggests pursuing something elusive or unreal, whereas "barking at the moon" implies a pointless, often noisy, protest or complaint that has no effect.