shadowy figures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shadowy figures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe indistinct or mysterious shapes, often associated with secrecy or danger. Example: "As she walked through the foggy alley, she couldn't shake the feeling that shadowy figures were watching her from the darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Shadowy figures stood on top of them.

The New Yorker

But he associated with shadowy figures.

The New York Times

Shadowy figures enter the dark stage.

The New York Times - Arts

Other shadowy figures were glimpsed on the rooftops.

The Economist

The shadowy figures on the periphery of your life.

The New Yorker

He left his campaign largely to shadowy figures like his bodyguard, Aleksandr Korzhakov.

The New Yorker

It covers the wall in a sickly yellow, with shadowy figures sketched out.

The Economist

Shadowy figures in animal masks commit grotesque acts of violence that leave behind no evidence.

The New York Times

Visitors here must travel alone and take orders ("Turn left!" "Stop!") from shadowy figures.

The New York Times - Arts

The effect is like looking at a dark canvas and trying to identify the shadowy figures.

The New Yorker

The resourceful use of miniatures and lighting make for striking processions of shadowy figures.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shadowy figures" to create a sense of mystery, suspense, or uncertainty in your writing. It's particularly effective when describing scenes in low light or when the identity of the figures is unknown.

Common error

Avoid using "shadowy figures" to describe people in well-lit environments. The phrase implies darkness or obscurity, so using it in a bright setting can be confusing or nonsensical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shadowy figures" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It is typically used to describe entities that are indistinct, mysterious, or of unknown identity, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shadowy figures" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe indistinct, mysterious, or vaguely defined entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile, appearing most frequently in news, arts, and wiki contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, care should be taken to avoid overuse in brightly lit scenes. Related phrases like "vague shapes" and "mysterious silhouettes" offer nuanced alternatives. By understanding its typical usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively employ "shadowy figures" to create a sense of suspense or mystery in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vague shapes

Focuses on the lack of clear definition in form.

indistinct forms

Highlights the difficulty in perceiving or recognizing the figures.

mysterious silhouettes

Emphasizes the enigmatic nature and outline of the figures.

unclear outlines

Focuses on the blurred or poorly defined perimeters of the figures.

ghostly apparitions

Suggests a spectral or phantom-like quality.

darkened silhouettes

Highlights the dark and undefined shapes of figures.

obscure shapes

Indicates figures that are not easily seen or understood.

hidden figures

Emphasizes the concealed or secretive nature of the figures.

covert entities

Focuses on the secretive and concealed nature of the figures.

nebulous forms

Describes figures that are cloud-like or lacking clear boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "shadowy figures" in a sentence?

You can use "shadowy figures" to describe indistinct or mysterious shapes in low-light conditions, such as "As she walked through the foggy alley, she couldn't shake the feeling that shadowy figures were watching her from the darkness."

What phrases are similar to "shadowy figures"?

Similar phrases include "vague shapes", "indistinct forms", or "mysterious silhouettes". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "shadowy figures" in formal writing?

Yes, "shadowy figures" is appropriate for formal writing when used to describe indistinct or mysterious entities. Its effectiveness depends on the context and the desired tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "shadowy figures" and "dark figures"?

"Shadowy figures" implies a lack of clarity or definition due to shadows, whereas "dark figures" simply refers to figures that are dark in color or appearance. The former suggests mystery, while the latter emphasizes visual characteristics.