shady figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shady figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person who is suspicious, untrustworthy, or involved in dubious activities. Example: "The detective was on the lookout for a shady figure who had been seen lurking around the crime scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Peter Farrington never wears a raincoat, and dislikes being thought of as a shady figure.

Independent

The beautiful Zingarina, played by Asia Argento, is in love with someone else; her companion Tchangalo (Birol Unel) is a shady figure.

The Guardian - Film

Reacher's Army training serves him well when he is recruited to find the kidnapped wife of a shady figure named Edward Lane.

The New York Times - Books

It hits the pavement, a shady figure grabs a bag of cocaine from the resulting bloody puddle, and then we're off into a strip club to watch a woman undressing for a bit.

The Guardian - Film

Mostly "Hellhound on His Trail" is a tight two-man story, cutting back and forth between Dr. King and a shady figure who in 1968 was calling himself Eric Starvo Galt.

The New York Times - Books

His father, "Big Jim", was a heroic but shady figure whose law-keeping days were cut short by gambling and embezzlement; his later business ventures soon led him to bankruptcy.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Many a summer on Martha's Vineyard has taught me that its dirt-tracks are littered with ex-CIA operatives and other such shady figures.

The Guardian - Books

From the spectre of spiralling property prices to the shady figures of estate agents that haunt Britain's high streets, homeowners are all too ready to regale us with their horror stories of late.

Independent

On something as small as a bowler's footfall, the shady figures in global gambling, running sophisticated operations from transient addresses, are a little bit richer, and the sport's fans that bit poorer.

The Guardian - Opinion

The media can create an environment in which politicians would be reluctant to be friends with and do favors for mafia leaders, whom Grinda argued need to be seen as shady figures to be feared.

The Guardian

It takes a while to acclimatise our eyes to the gloom but when we do it's to make out the shady figures of men making lewd gestures in our direction.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shady figure", ensure the context provides enough information to suggest why the person is considered suspicious or untrustworthy. Avoid using it without supporting details, as it can sound vague.

Common error

Avoid using "shady figure" as a standalone descriptor without explaining the specific behaviors or circumstances that make the person seem suspicious. Providing context enhances clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shady figure" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "shady" modifies the noun "figure." Ludwig confirms its correct and usable form in written English. The adjective describes the noun’s questionable or suspicious nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shady figure" is a grammatically correct and usable term, primarily employed to describe individuals who appear suspicious or untrustworthy. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely used in news and media contexts. While the phrase itself is straightforward, remember to provide sufficient context to support the implication of shadiness. Alternatives like "suspicious character" or "questionable individual" can be used to vary your language while maintaining a similar meaning. Keep in mind that labelling someone as a "shady figure" carries a negative connotation, so ensure it's justified by the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suspicious character

Focuses on the suspicious nature of the person, highlighting distrust.

questionable individual

Emphasizes the doubtful or uncertain aspects of the person's integrity.

dubious character

Highlights the uncertainty and potential dishonesty of the individual.

untrustworthy person

Directly points out the lack of reliability and trustworthiness.

shifty character

Implies evasiveness and a lack of straightforwardness in behavior.

dodgy individual

Conveys a sense of potential illegality or danger associated with the person.

fishy character

Suggests something is not quite right or suspicious about the person's actions.

shadowy figure

Emphasizes the mysterious and secretive nature of the person.

suspect

Simply denotes someone under suspicion, often in a legal context.

person of interest

A more formal and neutral term used by law enforcement to describe someone they want to investigate.

FAQs

What does "shady figure" mean?

A "shady figure" describes someone who appears suspicious, untrustworthy, or involved in questionable activities.

How can I use "shady figure" in a sentence?

You can say, "The detective noticed a "suspicious character" lurking near the bank," or "The businessman was known for his dealings with "questionable individuals"".

What are some alternatives to "shady figure"?

Alternatives include "suspicious character", "dubious individual", "questionable character", or "shadowy figure".

Is it okay to describe someone as a "shady figure"?

While grammatically correct, be cautious when labeling someone a "shady figure" as it implies a negative judgment. Ensure you have sufficient evidence or context to justify the description.