shadow of sadness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shadow of sadness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lingering feeling of sorrow or melancholy that affects a person or situation. Example: "Even in moments of joy, there was a shadow of sadness that followed her, a reminder of what she had lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Nothing, apparently, must interfere with the party, no shadow of sadness must distract from those precious advertising seconds.

The New York Times

No bitterness in the voice, just a shadow of sadness exposed along with the naked truth; a fleeting glimpse of dues paid and years lost.

The Guardian - Music

This morning, from under the floorboards of the room in which I write, Lawrence the handyman is singing the blues in a soft falsetto as he works, the words unclear, though surely one of them is love, lugging its shadow of sadness into song.

The New Yorker

One may regret a certain predictability in Khachaturian's structures yet be surprised by delicious details: an elegant imitation of Eastern instruments, a hint of jazz, a shadow of sadness amid sunny landscapes, brought by dissonant chords or unexpected turns of melody.

The New York Times - Arts

by Sharon Levy This morning, from under the floorboards of the room in which I write, Lawrence the handyman is singing the blues in a soft falsetto as he works, the words unclear, though surely one of them is love, lugging its shadow of sadness into song.

The New Yorker

Some are doing well; others are not doing well, she replied, a shadow of sadness crossing her face.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In the 1950's, that arbiter of morals and manners Emily Post wrote that more and more people believed that they should not go into mourning, to avoid casting "the shadow of their sadness".

The New York Times - Arts

I saw a shadow of something, sadness or fear.

Vice

We always have this shadow of death and sadness over our lives.

Vice

Come to think of it, the possibility of sadness, which shadowed this movie's precursor and the long-running HBO series (if not the Candace Bushnell column in The New York Observer that is the source of it all), has been banished this time out.

The New York Times

"No, it was a reflection of sadness that people like Michael Dugher and Pat McFadden [who was sacked as shadow Europe minister] were not serving at the top table, because that's where they should be".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "shadow of sadness", ensure it appropriately reflects a lingering or subtle feeling, rather than an overt or intense display of sorrow. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended emotional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "shadow of sadness" to describe situations of intense grief or trauma. The phrase is best suited for milder, more subtle forms of sorrow. For more profound or acute grief consider the use of terms like "sea of grief".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shadow of sadness" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a subtle, lingering feeling of sadness rather than an acute or overwhelming emotion. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shadow of sadness" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to describe a lingering, often subtle, feeling of sorrow. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it evokes a sense of melancholy or underlying sadness without being overly dramatic. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the sadness you wish to convey, opting for alternatives like "tinge of sorrow" or "hint of melancholy" if a lighter touch is desired. Ensure that it accurately reflects a persistent, gentle sadness, rather than a profound and acute grief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of melancholy

Substitutes 'shadow' with 'hint' and 'sadness' with 'melancholy,' implying a subtle and contemplative sadness.

touch of melancholy

Substitutes 'shadow' with 'touch' and 'sadness' with 'melancholy,' suggesting a gentle and reflective sadness.

tinge of sorrow

Replaces 'shadow' with 'tinge,' suggesting a lighter, less pervasive sadness.

trace of sorrowfulness

Replaces 'shadow' with 'trace,' implying a very slight indication of sadness.

undertone of grief

Uses 'undertone' instead of 'shadow,' indicating a subtle, underlying sadness associated with grief.

air of sorrow

Replaces 'shadow' with 'air,' suggesting a pervasive atmosphere of sadness.

aura of unhappiness

Uses 'aura' instead of 'shadow' and 'unhappiness' instead of 'sadness', emphasizing the surrounding feeling of sadness.

veil of gloom

Employs 'veil' instead of 'shadow' and 'gloom' instead of 'sadness,' conveying a sense of darkness and sadness that obscures happiness.

cloud of despair

Substitutes 'shadow' with 'cloud' and 'sadness' with 'despair,' indicating a heavier, more overwhelming feeling of hopelessness.

whiff of despair

Replaces 'shadow' with 'whiff,' implying a fleeting but noticeable feeling of despair.

FAQs

How can "shadow of sadness" be used in a sentence?

You can use "shadow of sadness" to describe a lingering feeling of sorrow or melancholy that affects a person or situation. For example: "Even in moments of joy, there was a "shadow of sadness" that followed her, a reminder of what she had lost."

What are some alternatives to "shadow of sadness"?

Alternatives include "tinge of sorrow", "hint of melancholy", or "air of sorrow", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "shadow of sadness" a formal or informal expression?

"Shadow of sadness" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts where a subtle sense of sorrow is being described.

What emotions does "shadow of sadness" typically convey?

The phrase "shadow of sadness" typically conveys feelings of melancholy, sorrow, or a lingering sense of loss. It suggests a sadness that is present but not necessarily overwhelming.