in the shadow

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the shadow" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
Example: The old castle stood tall and ominous, its crumbling walls casting a long shadow over the valley below.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Angry exchanges in the shadow cabinet.

The Economist

In the Shadow of the Dinosaurs.

University of California, Berkeley

Campania lives in the shadow of Vesuvius.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A journey in the shadow of Ararat.

The New Yorker

In the Shadow of the Moon.

The Guardian - Film

In the Shadow of the Empire.

The New York Times - Books

"There in the shadow was Spiegel".

The New York Times

In the Shadow of the Moon dir.

The Guardian - Film

"I can stay in the shadow, quietly.

The New York Times

Rather, in the shadow of his wing.

The New Yorker

"Further on--the house in the shadow".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the shadow" in writing, be mindful of the connotations it carries. It can imply both protection and a lack of individual prominence, so choose it when either or both of these aspects are relevant to your message.

Common error

Avoid using "in the shadow" when you only intend to convey protection, as it also suggests a lack of independence or recognition. If your intention is solely protection, phrases like "sheltered by" or "under the wing of" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the shadow" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate location, condition, or manner. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the shadow" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express influence, protection, or a lack of prominence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it carries a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. Understanding the dual connotation of both protection and diminished presence is key to its effective application. Alternatives like "overshadowed by" or "under the cover" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overshadowed by

Directly indicates that something is more prominent, causing the other to be disregarded.

under the cover

Emphasizes concealment or protection provided by something.

obscured by

Highlights the act of something being hidden or made less visible.

dominated by

Focuses on the overwhelming influence of something.

eclipsed by

Suggests that something is overshadowed and made less important.

in the background

Implies a less prominent or noticeable position.

in the lee of

Refers to being sheltered or protected from wind or other forces.

in the wake of

Refers to something that follows or results from a previous event or influence.

under the influence of

Suggests a controlling or guiding power.

secondary to

Indicates a lower level of importance or priority.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the shadow" to describe something being overshadowed or influenced by something else. For instance, "The smaller company operates "in the shadow" of the industry giant."

What are some alternatives to "in the shadow"?

Alternatives include "overshadowed by", "dominated by", or "eclipsed by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "in the shadow" or "under the shadow"?

"In the shadow" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Under the shadow" is less frequent and may sound slightly awkward to native English speakers.

What does it mean to live "in the shadow" of someone?

To live "in the shadow" of someone typically means that you are overshadowed by their accomplishments, personality, or influence. It implies a lack of individual recognition or prominence.