shadowing

USAGE SUMMARY

'shadowing' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a verb, to mean following someone closely in order to learn from or observe them. Example sentence: My supervisor suggested that I shadow her for a few days to gain an understanding of how she interacts with customers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Douglas Alexander, who managed David Miliband's campaign, has been given the key task of shadowing the welfare plans being drawn up by Iain Duncan Smith.

The Guardian

I just love the air of no-nonsense she exudes, and invariably agree with her ruthlessly to-the-point assessment of the team she has been shadowing.

The Guardian

And relived, at once, the frustration that had edged his youthful efforts, shadowing the pleasure he took in looking at art.

The Guardian - Books

David Miliband's other campaign manager, Jim Murphy, has been handed an equally important brief of shadowing defence at time of big cuts and plans to bring British troops home from Afghanistan by 2015.

The Guardian

I can't think of a single thing he has said, in the three years he's been shadowing me, on which he's been right.

The Guardian

He will also develop the party's approach to constitutional reform, shadowing the policy portfolio of the deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg.

The Guardian

He will take over in December 2012, after shadowing Mr Tata for a year.In this section Fracking here, fracking there Business on the bloody border Full throttle The great leap online The magical Mistry tour Built to last ReprintsTata stands for a very Indian way of organising a firm.

The Economist

Even the Tory Sunday Telegraph accused her of "bourgeois triumphalism .In October 1989 Nigel Lawson, her chancellor, resigned, infuriated that she was trying to undermine his policy of shadowing the Deutschmark.

The Economist

Now, after a decade shadowing an LAPD homicide squad, she has gathered all she learned into a book to stress that this epidemic of murder is still raging.

The Economist

In February the government advised television companies that although unpaid "shadowing" was fine, any student doing something useful should be paid the minimum wage.Careers departments are also cracking down.

The Economist

It should fall to 2.7% this year, which is tiny by other countries' standards, and comfortably under the EU's target for euro membership but it reflects artificial (and unsustainable) one-off controls on energy prices.Countries that have pegged their currencies to the euro, or are shadowing it, lose their independence in monetary policy without gaining all the benefits.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shadowing" in a professional context, ensure the purpose of observation is clear and ethical. For instance, specify that it is for training or learning purposes.

Common error

Avoid using "shadowing" when active participation is required. "Shadowing" implies observation, not direct contribution. If you're actively involved, use terms like "assisting" or "collaborating".

Linguistic Context

The word "shadowing" primarily functions as a verb, often in its present participle form, indicating an ongoing action of following or observing someone closely. Ludwig examples show its use in describing professional development or investigative activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "shadowing" is a versatile verb form commonly used to describe the act of closely following or observing someone for learning, investigation, or training purposes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing about "shadowing", ensure the context is clear, and ethical considerations are addressed if applicable. If active participation is involved, consider alternative terms like "assisting" or "collaborating". The term's frequency and widespread understanding make it a reliable choice for formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following closely

Focuses on the act of trailing or observing from a short distance.

observing attentively

Emphasizes the attentiveness and detail in the act of watching.

trailing

Describes the action of following someone, often discreetly.

keeping under surveillance

Highlights the monitoring aspect, often in a secretive or security context.

keeping track of

Emphasizes monitoring and maintaining awareness of progress or activities.

mimicking

Focuses on imitating or copying actions or behaviors.

adumbrating

Implies a foreshadowing or outlining of future events or ideas.

tutoring

Implies a mentor relationship where guidance and instruction are provided.

working alongside

Suggests collaborative work with someone more experienced.

under the wing of

Describes being protected or guided by someone influential or experienced.

FAQs

How can I use "shadowing" in a sentence?

You can use "shadowing" to describe following someone closely to learn, as in, "I am "shadowing" the CEO to understand her management style."

What's the difference between "shadowing" and "mentoring"?

"Shadowing" involves observing someone in their role, while "mentoring" implies a more active and guiding relationship. In "shadowing", the focus is on observation; in mentoring, it's on active guidance and feedback.

What are some alternatives to "shadowing"?

Alternatives include "observing attentively", "following closely", or "keeping under surveillance" depending on the context.

Is "shadowing" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "shadowing" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing training programs, professional development, or observational research. It clearly conveys the act of following and observing someone.