it is a shadow of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a shadow of" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase expresses the idea that something is a pale or distorted reflection of something else. For example, "The company's recent success is only a shadow of what it was ten years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Now, in the fourth year of war, it is a shadow of its revered past.

The Washington Post

Colecovision still sells, but it is a shadow of its former self.

The New York Times

Now, they say, it is a shadow of its former self and no longer a safe environment for young people to exchange ideas.

The New York Times

Today, it is a shadow of its former self, having split into northern and southern halves in 1986.

Vice

It is a shadow of itself.

The New Yorker

Today, it is a shadow of what is was then.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I've heard people try and make a case for The West Wing in its post-Aaron Sorkin years but for all John Wells' talent it was a shadow of its glory days.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And by the time the Berlin wall came down in 1989, it was a shadow of its former self.

The New York Times

But when Wallstrom presented the commission's formal proposal for legislation, it was a shadow of its former self - watered down by relentless industry and political lobbying.

The Guardian

The Apprentice is meaningless, it's a shadow of its former self, it's been done to death, it should have been canned years ago, but leave us alone because we all still love The Apprentice.

Independent

If it does nothing to change, music radio's audience will continue to erode until it's a shadow of its former self.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is a shadow of" when you want to emphasize the decline or diminished state of something compared to its former glory or potential. It's particularly effective when describing institutions, places, or concepts that have lost their original strength or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "it is a shadow of" when you're describing literal shadows cast by objects. This phrase is primarily used metaphorically to denote a decline or diminished state, not a physical shadow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a shadow of" functions as a predicative expression, serving to describe a subject as being a diminished or weakened version of its former self. As Ludwig AI confirms, this idiom points towards a state of decline or loss of substance. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its usage in various contexts, highlighting its descriptive power.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

20%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is a shadow of" is a grammatically correct and effective way to express the idea that something has declined from its former state. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While not extremely frequent, it carries a clear negative connotation, suggesting a loss of strength or significance. When writing, be mindful to use this phrase when you want to emphasize decline, not to describe literal shadows.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a shell of its former self

Focuses on the external appearance being unchanged, but the substance is gone.

it's not what it used to be

Simple and direct way to express decline or deterioration.

it's a pale imitation of

Emphasizes the lack of quality or authenticity compared to the original.

it's a far cry from

Indicates a significant difference or decline from a previous state.

it's a remnant of

Suggests that only a small part remains of what once was.

it's a ghost of

Implies that something is barely present, like a memory or a faint trace.

it's a mere vestige of

Highlights that only a trace or indication remains.

it's a faint echo of

Conveys the idea that something is weakly reminiscent of something else.

it's a diminished version of

Directly states that something is smaller or less significant than before.

it's a watered-down version of

Indicates that something has been diluted or weakened.

FAQs

How can I use "it is a shadow of" in a sentence?

You can use "it is a shadow of" to describe something that has declined from a previous state. For example, "The organization "it is a shadow of" its former self after the scandal."

What's a more formal way to say "it is a shadow of"?

A more formal alternative could be "it represents a diminished form of" or "it is a vestige of". These alternatives maintain a similar meaning while using more sophisticated language.

Is "it is a shadow of" negative in connotation?

Yes, the phrase generally carries a negative connotation, implying a decline, loss, or weakening of something compared to its past or potential. It suggests that something is not as good as it once was.

How does "it is a shadow of" compare to "it's a shell of its former self"?

Both phrases indicate a decline, but "it's a shell of its former self" emphasizes that only the outward appearance remains, while "it is a shadow of" more broadly suggests a diminished state in any aspect, not just appearance. They are often interchangeable.