a sweeping effort at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sweeping effort at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a comprehensive or extensive attempt to achieve something, often in a formal or serious context. Example: "The organization launched a sweeping effort at improving community health through various outreach programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A1 United States officials, in a sweeping effort at reviving the devastated Iraqi economy, announced they would replace the Iraqi currency, which still bears Mr. Hussein's image, later this year and restructure the central bank to give it new autonomy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The new government pressure seems to be part of a sweeping effort aimed at addressing some of the ugly consequences of China's dynamic economic growth, like rampant pollution, a growing income gap and widespread labor abuse.

The New York Times

To make these visions a reality, the researchers, from the Center for Environment, Economy and Society, at Columbia, have begun a sweeping effort to identify and repair problems in the town and region and to capitalize on their assets.

The New York Times - Science

Two weeks ago, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced a sweeping effort to improve efficiency that, among other things, takes aim at the military's sacrosanct corps of generals and admirals.

The New York Times

South Africa is undertaking a sweeping effort to sell significant stakes in its biggest state-owned companies, but with labor balking at the scope of the effort, progress has been slow.

The New York Times

The Kandinsky research is part of a sweeping effort to examine the museum's entire collection, most of which will take place in a sophisticated new conservation lab that is scheduled to be up and running at the museum early next year.

The New York Times

Having been controlled before the war, growing hemp was criminalized thereafter in a sweeping effort to crack down on marijuana.

The New York Times - Arts

It is the latest move by Carlyle as it expands its energy practice, a sweeping effort that runs from private equity to lending and hedge funds.

The New York Times

He said a sweeping effort would be made to address the foreclosure crisis.

Forbes

The Obama Administration will commit substantial resources of $50-100B 50-100B toing effort to addresweepingoreffortre crisis.

Huffington Post

So New Mexico has adopted the country's most sweeping effort at "harm reduction," a strategy to eradicate disease, suffering and death among addicts that includes exchanging used needles for clean ones and dispensing Narcan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sweeping effort at", ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and ambition of the undertaking. This phrase is best suited for describing large-scale, comprehensive attempts to address significant issues.

Common error

Avoid using "a sweeping effort at" to describe minor or localized actions. This phrase implies a broad and significant endeavor, so ensure the scale of the effort matches the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sweeping effort at" functions as a noun phrase that describes a comprehensive attempt or undertaking aimed at achieving a specific goal. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting the scale and ambition of the effort. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sweeping effort at" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a comprehensive attempt to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While its frequency is rare, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its implied scale and ambition. Consider alternatives like "a broad attempt at" or "a comprehensive approach to" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad attempt at

Replaces "sweeping" with "broad", indicating a wide-ranging but potentially less intensive effort.

a comprehensive approach to

Shifts from "effort" to "approach", emphasizing a planned methodology.

an extensive endeavor toward

Substitutes "effort" with "endeavor", suggesting a more ambitious undertaking.

a wide-ranging initiative for

Replaces "effort" with "initiative", focusing on a specific project or program.

a far-reaching attempt to

Emphasizes the scope and impact of the attempt.

a large-scale campaign for

Highlights the organized and promotional aspect of the effort.

a thoroughgoing drive toward

Replaces "sweeping" with "thoroughgoing" and "effort" with "drive", emphasizing intensity and completeness.

an all-out push for

Suggests a very determined and energetic effort.

a global strategy for

Highlights a planned series of actions for achieving something

a concerted action on

Suggests coordinated effort from multiple parties

FAQs

How can I use "a sweeping effort at" in a sentence?

Use "a sweeping effort at" to describe a comprehensive attempt to achieve a particular goal, such as "The government launched "a sweeping effort at" reforming the healthcare system".

What's a good alternative to "a sweeping effort at"?

Alternatives include "a broad attempt at", "a comprehensive approach to", or "an extensive endeavor toward", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a sweeping effort at" more formal than "a big try at"?

Yes, "a sweeping effort at" is significantly more formal and suitable for professional or academic writing compared to the informal phrase "a big try at".

What kind of actions does "a sweeping effort at" typically describe?

It typically describes large-scale, comprehensive actions aimed at addressing complex or significant problems, such as policy changes, organizational reforms, or societal improvements.