a sweeping issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sweeping issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or problem that is broad, comprehensive, or affects many aspects or areas. Example: "Climate change is a sweeping issue that impacts not only the environment but also the economy, health, and social justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It did so by moving past the limited controversy that was actually in the case and deciding a sweeping issue of constitutional law that no party had raised for the justices to consider.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Behind all the small-bore politics is the sweeping issue of the direction of the federal courts, especially the 13 circuit courts that increasingly have the final word on some of the most contentious social issues.

The New York Times

Hopefully this kind of event which resonates with the debates surrounding sexual assault on college campuses, in the NFL, as well as in and around dance music festivals throughout North America will result in the best of all possible outcomes: more victims feeling safe enough to come forward, and the end of a culture where sweeping issues of violence against women under the rug is allowed. .

Vice

In a sweeping review issued last month, the Institute of Medicine — the medical branch of the National Academy of Sciences — estimated that chronic pain afflicts 116 million Americans, far more than previously believed.

The New York Times

He pointed to a sweeping decision issued by a federal appeals court in Massachusetts in August in the case of Simon Glik, a recent law school graduate who was charged under the state's wiretapping law in 2007 after he used his cellphone to videotape three uniformed police officers he believed were using excessive force.

The New York Times

Debate is swirling over a sweeping directive issued last week by the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) that requires its 55,000 researchers to report any international activities and contacts to the academy's governing presidium.

Science Magazine

But the outlook for such a deal, which involves sweeping issues of troop withdrawal, as well as detention and other aspects of an American presence in Iraq, is in doubt.

The New York Times

As in the first work "Angola" derives its structure and meaning from the disparate layers stacked up by Mr. Xido and then spread out to create a jostling collage, one that is intimate yet informed by sweeping issues surrounding class, race and identity.

The New York Times - Arts

These fights involve sweeping issues of creativity, and narrow changes in copyright law.

The New York Times

Also, the small band of gun control advocates are busy with slightly less sweeping issues, such as their ongoing but still utterly futile effort to make it illegal to sell a weapon to anyone on the terror watch list.

The New York Times

But while those legislative and legal fights have attracted more attention, schools across the country are increasingly wrestling with similar kinds of sweeping issues.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sweeping issue", ensure that the context clearly indicates the scope and scale of the issue you are describing. Provide specific examples to illustrate its wide-ranging impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a sweeping issue" to describe something that only has a localized or limited impact. Ensure the issue truly has broad and significant consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sweeping issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "sweeping" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "issue". It describes the issue as being extensive and far-reaching, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sweeping issue" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a problem or topic of broad and significant scope. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is typically employed to highlight the far-reaching implications of an issue, making it suitable for neutral contexts such as news and media. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "a broad issue", it effectively conveys the extensive nature of the topic at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad problem

Focuses on the extensiveness of the problem.

a widespread concern

Emphasizes the extensive reach of the concern among people.

a far-reaching problem

Highlights the extensive consequences and implications of the problem.

an encompassing matter

Stresses the inclusive nature of the matter, covering a wide range of aspects.

a comprehensive challenge

Highlights the extensiveness and complexity of the challenge.

a general problem

Focuses on the commonness of the problem.

a wide-ranging topic

Emphasizes the breadth and diversity of the topic.

an extensive question

Highlights the numerous facets and potential answers to the question.

a prevalent theme

Focuses on the widespread recurrence and significance of the theme.

a global issue

Indicates that the issue affects the entire world.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sweeping issue" to describe a problem or topic that is broad and affects many different areas. For instance, "Climate change is "a sweeping issue" affecting global economies and ecosystems".

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "a broad problem", "a widespread concern", or "a far-reaching problem".

Is it better to say "a sweeping issue" or "a significant issue"?

The best choice depends on the context. "A significant issue" emphasizes the importance of the problem, while ""a sweeping issue"" emphasizes its wide-ranging impact.

Can "a sweeping issue" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

While generally suitable for formal contexts, ""a sweeping issue"" can also be used in informal settings where a broad and significant problem needs to be addressed.