shadows lengthening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shadows lengthening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the phenomenon of shadows becoming longer, often associated with the time of day, such as during sunset. Example: "As the sun began to set, the shadows lengthening across the ground created a beautiful and serene atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

What happened with the shadows lengthening at 5.49pm still amazes me.

Independent

A sumptuous drive down the ground brings him four more 5.27pm BST 40th over: England 159-6 (Buttler 16, Stokes 2) 69 required from 60 balls With the shadows lengthening at Sophia Gardens, Johnson returns.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As afternoon shadows lengthened and the we took stock.

The New York Times

Slowly the shadows lengthened and the night came.

The Guardian - Books

As shadows lengthened, so did Clarke's stride.

The Guardian - Sport

People climbed trees, fences and streetlights as the shadows lengthened through the balmy evening.

The New York Times - Sports

However, as the shadows lengthened there was no evidence of Australia's resolve weakening.

The Guardian - Sport

As the afternoon shadows lengthened and the cigar smoke thickened, Faldo's wonderland had turned into a valley of sorrows.

The Guardian - Sport

As the hours dragged on and the late-afternoon shadows lengthened, the game stretched into extra innings, and boredom finally set in.

The New York Times

— As the innings flickered by Thursday, heads drooped in the outfield, shadows lengthened, and the stands slowly thinned out, as did the bullpens.

The New York Times - Sports

At times the Americans appeared to have the requisite edge as the shadows lengthened, but their established stars ultimately cracked on too many occasions.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shadows lengthening" to create a visual image of the passage of time, particularly in descriptive writing. This phrase often evokes a sense of tranquility or the end of a day.

Common error

Avoid using "shadows lengthening" in contexts where a negative or ominous tone is unintended. The phrase can sometimes carry a subtle sense of foreboding due to its association with the end of the day or approaching darkness.

Linguistic Context

"Shadows lengthening" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, often used to set a scene or indicate the passage of time. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and lends itself well to creating vivid imagery.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Travel

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shadows lengthening" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase primarily used in descriptive contexts to signal the passage of time and the approach of evening. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase effectively sets a scene and can subtly influence the tone of writing. While not exceptionally common, its use is appropriate across various registers, particularly in news media, sports reporting, and travel writing. Remember to use it intentionally, considering the subtle connotations it carries. The phrase works best when you want to portray a serene, and sometimes slightly melancholic, atmosphere associated with the end of the day.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shadows growing longer

Focuses on the gradual increase in the length of shadows as time passes.

daylight fading

Emphasizes the decrease in natural light as the day progresses.

sun setting

Highlights the specific time when the sun goes below the horizon.

evening approaching

Indicates the transition from day to night.

twilight descending

Describes the atmospheric condition as dusk sets in.

dusk arriving

Similar to twilight descending, but with a slightly more casual tone.

night falling

Indicates the beginning of nighttime.

light diminishing

Focuses on the reduction of light intensity.

darkness creeping in

Suggests a gradual and subtle increase in darkness.

sun sinking

Describes the downward movement of the sun towards the horizon.

FAQs

How can I use "shadows lengthening" in a sentence?

You can use "shadows lengthening" to describe the progression of time, often at the end of the day. For example: As the /s/afternoon shadows lengthened, the children gathered their toys.

What is another way to say "shadows lengthening"?

Alternatives include "shadows growing longer", "daylight fading", or "evening approaching", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the changing light.

Is it correct to say "shadows are lengthening"?

Yes, "shadows are lengthening" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase "shadows lengthening" is often used as a descriptive noun phrase.

What does it mean when shadows lengthen?

When "shadows lengthening", it signifies that the sun is getting lower in the sky, indicating the approach of evening or the end of the day. It can also create a visual image of the passage of time.