a sweeping change

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sweeping change" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a large and dramatic transformation, either positive or negative. An example might be: The new policy introduced a sweeping change to the school's disciplinary system.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"And it was really a sweeping change".

The New York Times

This is a sweeping change for American applicants.

The New York Times

As the dissenting argument goes, college is too late to introduce such a sweeping change.

The New York Times

In a sweeping change of momentum, the Red Wings gave up three goals in the third period of Game 6.

The New York Times - Sports

The senators were well aware that Democratic lawmakers anticipate attacking any lawmaker who proposes such a sweeping change.

The New York Times

Although the Prospect Park board approved a sweeping change, the league president, Eddie Albert, favored the middle ground.

The New York Times - Sports

The current crisis in capitalism, she believes, strengthens her call for a sweeping change in how the world tackles poverty.

The Economist

America is in a presidential election year and China, too, will soon undergo a sweeping change of its leaders.

The Economist

Whether the 9/11 commission proposals will lead to such a sweeping change remains to be seen.

The New York Times

Retired parents who work for their children are part of a sweeping change in the way workers are approaching retirement.

The New York Times

Such a sweeping change would affect 160,000 students in 166 school districts around the state, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sweeping change" to emphasize the breadth and impact of a transformation. For example, "The new management implemented a sweeping change in the company's culture."

Common error

Avoid using "a sweeping change" when the transformation is minor or localized. Ensure the change truly affects a wide range of aspects to justify the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sweeping change" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a significant transformation. Examples show its use in various contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sweeping change" effectively conveys a sense of large-scale transformation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable across various contexts. With 63 real-world examples, the phrase is commonly found in news media, science, and formal business settings, emphasizing its broad applicability. When using this phrase, consider if a synonym might be more precise, such as "a radical shift" or "a profound transformation". However, avoid using "a sweeping change" when describing minor or localized alterations. This phrase is best reserved for significant and impactful shifts. Overall, "a sweeping change" is a valuable and reliable phrase for writers aiming to depict substantial transformations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound transformation

Emphasizes a deep and significant alteration.

a comprehensive overhaul

Focuses on a complete and thorough restructuring.

a radical shift

Highlights a dramatic and fundamental change in direction.

a major restructuring

Indicates a significant reorganization of a system or entity.

a dramatic alteration

Stresses the striking and noticeable nature of the change.

a fundamental modification

Indicates a change to the core elements or principles.

a complete turnaround

Suggests a reversal of a previous situation or trend.

a sea change

Implies a broad and significant transformation affecting many areas.

a wholesale revision

Highlights a complete and extensive review and alteration.

a transformative adjustment

Focuses on the ability of the change to cause a lasting and significant impact.

FAQs

How can I use "a sweeping change" in a sentence?

You can use "a sweeping change" to describe significant transformations or overhauls. For instance, "The new legislation introduced "a sweeping change" in environmental regulations."

What are some alternatives to saying "a sweeping change"?

Alternatives include "a profound transformation", "a radical shift", or "a comprehensive overhaul", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a sweeping change" in formal writing?

Yes, "a sweeping change" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing large-scale or significant transformations. However, ensure that the context justifies the intensity of the phrase.

What's the difference between "a sweeping change" and "a minor adjustment"?

"A sweeping change" indicates a broad and significant transformation, while "a minor adjustment" refers to a small, incremental alteration. The former implies a complete or near-complete overhaul, whereas the latter suggests a slight modification.