shadow of gloom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shadow of gloom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of sadness or despair that looms over a situation or person. Example: "After hearing the bad news, a shadow of gloom settled over the entire room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rape is stealing someone's innocence and putting a shadow of gloom on their life forever.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Unfortunately, it casts a shadow of further gloom.

Forbes

The fresh-faced politics of joy may be trumping the five-o'clock-shadow of Nixonian gloom and paranoia favored by the entire G.O.P. field with the sometime exception of John McCain.

The New York Times

A second, trickier factor is a new sense of gloom shadowing the economy, raising worries about whether the extra money will be available for schools or any other programs.

The New York Times

Now, feeling its Cheerios, the civil rights group exploits the national gloom and shadow of shame from the Charlotte Nine murders, and is encouraged that even Governor Nikki Haley agrees it's time for the Confederate flag not to fly high on government space.

Huffington Post

"The godfather of gloom".

The New York Times

They wandered out of gloom.

The New Yorker

An atmosphere of gloom pervades.

Independent

Watching long shadows fall across the dim walls that the teenaged Frank tried to brighten with movie-star pinups, I felt a wave of gloom.

The New York Times - Travel

That is my biggest source of gloom.

The Economist

His closing years were full of gloom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shadow of gloom" to create a somber or ominous tone, especially when describing the aftermath of a negative event or a period of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "shadow of gloom" in situations that are generally positive or lighthearted, as it can create an incongruous and jarring effect. Make sure to align the phrase's inherent negativity with the overall tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shadow of gloom" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a pervasive feeling or atmosphere of sadness and despair, aligning with Ludwig's validation of its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shadow of gloom" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a pervasive feeling of sadness or despair. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare, it effectively communicates a somber and ominous tone, often appearing in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall negativity of the situation and consider alternative phrases like "veil of sadness" or "cloud of despair" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

veil of sadness

Emphasizes the feeling of sadness being covered or obscured.

cloud of despair

Highlights the despairing nature of the situation, like a cloud obscuring hope.

air of melancholy

Focuses on the pervasive feeling of melancholy.

sense of foreboding

Highlights an impending sense of doom or misfortune.

pall of darkness

Implies a dark and oppressive atmosphere.

tinge of sadness

Suggests a slight hint or trace of sadness.

undercurrent of sorrow

Implies a subtle but persistent feeling of sorrow.

dark cloud looming

Focuses on an impending threat or problem.

gloom hanging over

Emphasizes the persistent presence of gloom.

shade of unhappiness

Highlights the feeling of unhappiness

FAQs

How can I use "shadow of gloom" in a sentence?

You can use "shadow of gloom" to describe a pervasive feeling of sadness or despair affecting a person, place, or situation. For instance, "After the factory closure, a "shadow of gloom" settled over the town".

What are some alternatives to "shadow of gloom"?

Alternatives include "veil of sadness", "cloud of despair", or "air of melancholy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "shadow of gloom" too dramatic for everyday writing?

While "shadow of gloom" can be effective, it might be perceived as overly dramatic in casual contexts. Consider the tone of your writing and audience when deciding whether to use it. Simpler phrases might be more appropriate in informal settings.

What's the difference between "shadow of gloom" and "cloud of gloom"?

Both phrases convey sadness, but "shadow of gloom" suggests something more lingering and less defined, like a pervasive feeling, while "cloud of gloom" suggests something more immediate and potentially temporary, like a passing storm.