engulfed in shadow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engulfed in shadow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or a place that is completely covered or surrounded by darkness or obscurity. Example: "As the sun set, the forest became engulfed in shadow, making it difficult to see the path ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wikipedia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On the right side stands the firing squad, engulfed in shadow and painted as a monolithic unit.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Li who faces a sold-out Empire spends the set engulfed in shadows created by flickering orange lights, intoning as mournfully as her small, airy voice allows.

The Guardian - Music

For a few minutes, the center was engulfed in darkness.

The New Yorker

By 9 35 p.m., the city was engulfed in darkness.

The New York Times

The figures are engulfed in the darkness of deep shadow, which ends, all of a sudden, at a row of fence posts or pollarded trees.

Independent

In her portraits of a dozen fighters, taken just prior to their move into these disarmament camps, Mazars focusses our eye on the individual fighters by engulfing them in shadow but leaving their facial features illuminated.

The New Yorker

While Labour is engulfed in the attempt by much of the shadow cabinet to oust Jeremy Corbyn, the Conservative differences are far lower key but threaten to become equally bitter.

The Guardian

It was engulfed in trees so it was really dark.

The New York Times - Travel

Stepping out from the shadows of his bench he was a man engulfed in sapping heat and uncertainty as his Lazio side awaited two starkly contrasting fates.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, Labour's shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said 10% of hospitals were understaffed and the NHS was engulfed in chaos.

BBC

Ahmed was engulfed in smoke.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engulfed in shadow" to create a sense of mystery or foreboding in your writing. This phrase is particularly effective when describing landscapes, characters, or situations where darkness plays a significant role.

Common error

Avoid using "engulfed in shadow" in brightly lit or cheerful scenes. This phrase evokes darkness and concealment, so ensure it aligns with the overall tone and atmosphere of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engulfed in shadow" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, often used to depict a scene or object completely surrounded by darkness. Ludwig highlights its use in creating a sense of mystery or foreboding.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "engulfed in shadow" is a descriptive phrase used to convey a sense of being completely surrounded by darkness, often creating a mysterious or ominous atmosphere. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, though relatively rare in occurrence. While adaptable across various registers, it is most effective when aiming for a vivid depiction of obscured scenes or characters. Consider alternatives like "shrouded in darkness" or "immersed in shadow" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shrouded in darkness

Emphasizes the covering or concealing aspect of the shadow.

immersed in shadow

Highlights the sense of being deeply within the shadow.

enveloped in darkness

Focuses on the complete surrounding effect of darkness.

cloaked in shadow

Implies a deliberate covering or concealment by shadow.

consumed by shadow

Suggests the shadow is overpowering and all-encompassing.

blanketed by shadow

Conveys a sense of shadow acting as a covering layer.

cast in deep shadow

Focuses on the creation of a shadow through a light source.

lost in shadow

Highlights the obscuring effect of the shadow making something disappear.

hidden in shadow

Focuses on the hiding effect of the shadow.

obscured by darkness

Highlights the act of darkness making something unclear.

FAQs

How can I use "engulfed in shadow" in a sentence?

Use "engulfed in shadow" to describe something completely surrounded by darkness, such as "The forest was "engulfed in shadow" as the sun set".

What are some alternatives to "engulfed in shadow"?

You can use alternatives like "shrouded in darkness", "immersed in shadow", or "enveloped in darkness" to convey similar meanings.

Is it appropriate to use "engulfed in shadow" in formal writing?

Yes, "engulfed in shadow" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when aiming to create a specific mood or atmosphere. However, consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What is the difference between "engulfed in shadow" and "covered in shadow"?

"Engulfed in shadow" suggests a more complete and encompassing darkness, while "covered in shadow" implies a partial or surface-level obscuring.