lingering shadow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lingering shadow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that remains present or has a lasting effect, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The lingering shadow of doubt clouded her judgment as she made the final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A lingering shadow hangs over Floyd Mayweather.

The Guardian - Sport

Its founders hoped to lead their countries out from under the lingering shadow of Russia and towards regional co-operation based on shared history and aspirations.

The Economist

The Broadway musical is set in 1945 and opens with a turbulent ballet depicting the relief of liberation mixed with the lingering shadow of occupation, complete with Nazi flags, breadlines, and a mob having its way with a Nazi collaborator.

The New Yorker

The US president alluded in his speech to the lingering shadow of the war, recognizing the enduring "ache" for the families of the millions of Vietnamese and almost 60,000 Americans who died.

The Guardian

Gov. Christine Todd Whitman weighed in on the United States Senate race in New Jersey today, urging Jon S. Corzine, the Democratic candidate, to remove any lingering "shadow of doubt" about his finances and release his personal income tax returns.

The New York Times

Gay men gather in an apartment on Christopher Street and discuss the exigencies of gay life; the banter is quick, arch and complete with persistent sexual innuendo, references to opera and the lingering shadow of AIDS.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

There is much Tunisia should do to protect itself, offering a better economic deal and undertaking reforms to remove the lingering shadows of authoritarianism.

The Guardian - Opinion

The travails of Mr. Hsu have proved an embarrassment for the Clinton campaign, which has strived to project an image of rectitude in its fund-raising and to dispel any lingering shadows of past episodes of tainted contributions.

The New York Times

But the lingering shadows of better-known milestones were not solely to blame for this summer's dearth of SEALAB tributes.

Huffington Post

Still, Republicans this year said they hoped to seize on the dismal state economy, the anti-establishment mood they saw last month in the special election for the Massachusetts Senate seat once held by Edward M. Kennedy, and the lingering, unavoidable shadow of Rod R. Blagojevich, the indicted former governor.

The New York Times

The most talented — like Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler — intuitively understood the dangers of lingering in the shadow of such a powerful figure.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lingering shadow", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is casting the shadow and what is being affected. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "lingering shadow" in overly dramatic or cliché situations. Instead, opt for more specific language that accurately conveys the nuanced effect you're describing. Consider whether a more concrete image or metaphor would be more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lingering shadow" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "lingering" acts as a modifying adjective describing the type of shadow. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase typically refers to a persistent negative influence or effect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lingering shadow" functions as a noun phrase denoting a persistent negative influence, commonly used in news and media to convey unease or apprehension. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used to describe lasting negative effects. While it can be employed in various contexts, avoiding overuse in clichés is essential for impactful writing. Consider using alternatives like "persistent influence" or "enduring effect" to tailor the nuance. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and suitable register, writers can effectively leverage the power of "lingering shadow" to enhance their prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lingering impact

Replaces "shadow" with "impact", maintaining the sense of a lasting effect but with potentially less negative connotation.

persisting influence

Focuses on the continuation of influence, shifting from a negative "shadow" to a more neutral "influence".

remaining stigma

Highlights the negative aspect of the shadow, specifying it as a "stigma" that remains.

enduring effect

Emphasizes the lasting nature of the effect, using "enduring" to convey permanence.

long-lasting consequence

Highlights the result or outcome that continues for an extended time.

persistent aftereffect

Focuses on the effect that comes after an event, emphasizing its continuation.

continuing legacy

Suggests a lasting impact passed down from the past, often associated with a person or event.

unfading memory

Emphasizes the aspect of remembrance and the inability to forget something, making it a "memory" that doesn't fade.

unresolved issue

Highlights that a problem or matter remains unsettled or dealt with.

protracted aftermath

Emphasizes the length and duration of the consequences following an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "lingering shadow" to describe something that continues to have a negative effect or influence. For example, "The "lingering shadow" of the recession affected many families for years".

What's a more formal way to say "lingering shadow"?

A more formal alternative could be "persistent influence" or "enduring effect", depending on the specific context.

What does "lingering shadow" imply?

The phrase "lingering shadow" implies that something negative from the past is continuing to affect the present, often creating a sense of unease or difficulty in moving forward. It suggests a lasting presence that is hard to ignore.

What can I say instead of "lingering shadow"?

You can use alternatives like "remaining stigma", "long-lasting consequence", or "unresolved issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.