under his shadow

USAGE SUMMARY

'under his shadow' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to depict something or someone's influence or protection. Example: "I had felt safe, protected, and supported under his shadow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

She falls under his shadow.

The New York Times

I sat down under his shadow with delight.

The New Yorker

But the Balcombes were still under his shadow.

The Guardian - Books

You wonder what films she will create when she's out from under his shadow.

The New York Times

"People say I work under my father, that I'm working under his shadow," Mr. Yadav acknowledged.

The New York Times

"I felt it was time I got out from under his shadow.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Even Mr. Trump wasn't always sure his children would flourish under his oversize shadow.

The New York Times

Out from under his fathers shadow, Pierre Karl shone.

Forbes

He urged current leader Ed Miliband to follow the example of former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and give under-performing members of his shadow cabinet the "hairdryer treatment" and "kick 'em out".

Independent

The motion will cause further anxiety among some shadow cabinet members who believe the party is already too hostile towards big business under Corbyn and his shadow chancellor, John McDonnell.

The Guardian

Mr Corbyn has been put under pressure by others of his shadow cabinet, with Hilary Benn, the shadow foreign secretary, and Pat McFadden, shadow Europe minister, indicating they would quit if Labour campaigned to leave the EU.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation when using this phrase; it can imply either protection and guidance or oppression and lack of autonomy. Choose it when you want to convey that specific dynamic.

Common error

Avoid using "under his shadow" if you intend to convey simple mentorship without any implication of being overshadowed or controlled. Opt for phrases like "mentored by him" or "guided by him" to ensure the message is clear and free of unintended negative connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under his shadow" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests being influenced or controlled by someone. Examples show it describing careers, relationships, and creative endeavors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

30%

Music

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under his shadow" effectively conveys the idea of being influenced or overshadowed by someone, often implying a lack of autonomy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and usable in written English. The examples from Ludwig highlight its use in various contexts, from personal relationships to professional achievements. While it is commonly found in "News & Media", "Books", and "Music", writers should be mindful of its connotation to avoid unintended implications. Alternative phrases like "dominated by him" or "influenced by his presence" may better suit specific nuances. Overall, "under his shadow" remains a powerful phrase when used judiciously to depict the impact of someone's influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in his shadow

A shortened version that retains the original meaning.

dominated by him

Focuses on the aspect of being controlled or heavily influenced, emphasizing power dynamics.

influenced by his presence

Highlights the effect of someone's influence without necessarily implying control or dominance.

protected by his authority

Emphasizes the protective aspect of someone's power or position.

within his sphere of influence

Suggests a more formal or abstract sense of control, referring to the area or scope of someone's influence.

overshadowed by his achievements

Highlights the feeling of being less significant compared to someone else's accomplishments.

subject to his authority

Emphasizes the hierarchical relationship and obedience involved.

in his towering presence

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical size and impact of someone.

under his wing

Implies guidance and care, often used to describe mentorship.

living in his aura

Suggests a strong, pervasive influence emanating from someone.

FAQs

How can I use "under his shadow" in a sentence?

You can use "under his shadow" to describe a situation where someone's influence is very strong, such as, "The young artist struggled to emerge from "under his shadow" and develop her own style."

What does it mean to be "under someone's shadow"?

To be "under someone's shadow" means that you are strongly influenced, often overshadowed, by someone else's presence, achievements, or authority.

What are some synonyms for "under his shadow"?

Synonyms for "under his shadow" include "dominated by him", "influenced by his presence", or "overshadowed by his achievements".

Is it better to say "in his shadow" or "under his shadow"?

"In his shadow" and "under his shadow" are quite similar, with subtle differences. "Under his shadow" emphasizes being influenced or controlled, while "in his shadow" may simply refer to being less prominent in comparison. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.