under the shadow of

USAGE SUMMARY

'under the shadow of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which someone or something is figuratively under the influence of, or is overshadowed by, something else. For example, "The community where I grew up lived under the shadow of poverty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it now lives under the shadow of the dam.

The New York Times - Sports

Politically, the 60s lay under the shadow of Pompey.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Imagine living your life under the shadow of opportunity cost.

The Guardian

A front-page headline read, "Live in dignity under the shadow of the flag".

The New York Times

I would prefer a fair trial, under the shadow of the noose".

Independent

Italy had escaped imperial dominance only to fall under the shadow of the French.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I still feel like I'm under the shadow of my parents.

The New York Times

Yet the group born under the shadow of the country's wartime trials is largely exempt.

The Economist

Were the Oklahoma justices simply ducking for cover under the shadow of Casey?

The New York Times

In its culture as in its politics, Italy lives under the shadow of Silvio Berlusconi.

The New York Times - Books

The losing streak grew to six in Denver, under the shadow of Carmelo Anthony.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under the shadow of" to describe situations where something is significantly affected or overshadowed by a negative or imposing force. It suggests a sense of being dominated or threatened.

Common error

Avoid using "under the shadow of" when describing positive influences or role models. The phrase carries a negative connotation of oppression or threat. For positive influences, consider alternatives like "inspired by" or "influenced by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the shadow of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun or verb, indicating that something is being negatively affected or overshadowed by another entity. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes influence or overshadowing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under the shadow of" is a commonly used prepositional phrase to describe situations where something is negatively affected, threatened, or overshadowed by another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and is widely used. The phrase carries negative connotations, suggesting a sense of oppression or dominance. Therefore, it should not be used to describe positive influences. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but also has representation in encyclopedias. Alternatives such as "overshadowed by", "dominated by", or "threatened by" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overshadowed by

Highlights the act of being less prominent or significant due to something else.

living in the shade of

Similar to the original, but uses "shade" instead of "shadow", suggesting a less intense influence.

looming over

Implies a threatening or ominous presence, emphasizing the dominance and potential impact.

dominated by

Emphasizes control or influence, shifting from a looming presence to active control.

threatened by

Focuses on the potential danger or harm posed by something.

under the influence of

Highlights being controlled or affected by something or someone.

affected by

A broader term indicating an influence, which may not necessarily be negative or oppressive.

subject to

Indicates being affected by or vulnerable to something, often an external force or condition.

influenced by

Implies a guiding or shaping effect, but less negatively than "under the shadow of".

in the presence of

Highlights the physical or metaphorical existence of something, which might cause influence.

FAQs

How can I use "under the shadow of" in a sentence?

You can use "under the shadow of" to describe situations where something is being negatively affected or overshadowed by something else. For example, "The town lived "under the shadow of" the looming factory".

What can I say instead of "under the shadow of"?

You can use alternatives like "overshadowed by", "dominated by", or "threatened by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "under the shadow of" or "in the shadow of"?

Both "under the shadow of" and "in the shadow of" are acceptable, though "under the shadow of" often implies a more direct and oppressive influence. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "under the shadow of" and "inspired by"?

"Under the shadow of" implies a negative influence or threat, while "inspired by" suggests a positive and motivating influence. They are antonyms in many contexts.