I swept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I swept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you performed the action of sweeping in the past. Example: "After the party, I swept the floor to clean up the mess."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I swept up the glass.

The New York Times

I swept up the bullet shells.

The New York Times

I swept the rod backward.

The New York Times - Sports

I swept up the people when I needed to.

The New York Times

I remember the first time I swept through Penn Station.

The New York Times

I'll tell my kids I swept up for the Bums".

The New York Times - Sports

I swept floors, washed pans, pulled rosemary leaves off stems.

The New Yorker

I swept through a little high and caught him.

The New York Times - Sports

I swept floors, stocked shelves and waited on customers.

The New York Times

"Blankita," they'd call approvingly as I swept past them.

The New York Times

As I swept past the pub, the large man caught my eye.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I swept" to vividly describe a clearing action, covering ground quickly, or comprehensively affecting something. Choose it when the motion and extent are important to the image you're creating for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "I swept" in abstract scenarios where a more precise verb would offer greater clarity. Overusing it can dilute its impact, so consider alternatives such as "I reviewed", "I considered", or "I managed" depending on your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I swept" functions as a simple past tense verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates the completion of a sweeping action by the speaker. Examples show its use in both literal cleaning contexts and figurative contexts implying rapid movement or comprehensive effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I swept" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes a completed action of sweeping, with both literal and figurative applications. The usage contexts vary, with primary occurrences in News & Media, Books, and Sports. While versatile, it is advised to avoid overuse in abstract contexts where a more specific verb would be appropriate. The phrase is generally considered neutral in register, and it is widely understood across various demographics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I cleared

Focuses on removing something entirely, similar to sweeping but more general.

I brushed

Emphasizes a light, sweeping motion, implying a gentle touch.

I cleaned

Highlights the result of making something tidy, where sweeping may be a part of the process.

I whisked

Suggests a quick, light sweeping action often used in cooking or similar contexts.

I glided

Implies a smooth and effortless movement, like sweeping across a surface without friction.

I passed

Indicates moving beyond or through something, similar to sweeping past a point.

I overtook

Focuses on surpassing something, as in a race or competition.

I dominated

Highlights a comprehensive effect, suggesting control or mastery over something.

I overran

Suggests quickly spreading over an area, like sweeping through a space.

I scoured

Implies a thorough cleaning or searching, similar to sweeping but more intense.

FAQs

How can I use "I swept" in a sentence?

"I swept" indicates a past action of sweeping. For example, "I swept the floor" means you cleaned the floor with a broom or similar tool. It can also imply moving quickly, as in, "I swept past him".

What are some alternatives to "I swept"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I cleaned", "I brushed", or "I cleared". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I swept up" instead of "I swept"?

Yes, "I swept up" is correct and often used to emphasize the act of gathering something while sweeping, as in, "I swept up the leaves".

What's the difference between "I swept" and "I was sweeping"?

"I swept" indicates a completed action in the past. In contrast, "I was sweeping" describes an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. For example, "I swept the floor this morning" versus "I was sweeping when the phone rang".