a sweeping move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sweeping move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or comprehensive action taken to achieve a particular goal or effect. Example: "The company made a sweeping move to restructure its entire management team in order to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Manchester's third goal was a classic breakaway, a sweeping move the length of the field.

The New York Times

City squandered another good chance of adding a second goal in the 58th minute after a sweeping move.

Independent

Ugarov spurned the chance of a hat-trick after a sweeping move seven minutes from the end.

The Guardian - Sport

Carvalho turned into Franz Beckenbauer, beginning and ending a sweeping move that symbolised a spirit of liberation in Mourinho's team.

The Guardian - Sport

A sweeping move ended in a George Boyd shot that the Middlesbrough keeper, Jason Steele, had to palm away.

The Guardian - Sport

His second moments later was about hitting the target, this time finishing off a sweeping move to quieten the vocal Greek travelling support.

Independent

Spurs were soon punished for their profligacy as Portsmouth went up the other end and scored with a sweeping move begun and finished by Crouch.

The Guardian - Sport

The two Nickys, Clark and Law, soon got Rangers up the park with a sweeping move but the former curled a decent effort just wide.

The Guardian - Sport

A sweeping move by the home team in the 71st minute could have culminated in a splendid goal but Sakho's shot just cleared the bar.

The Guardian - Sport

The Manchester United midfielder came on as a substitute right towards the end to finish a sweeping move to a rapturous reception from the German fans.

The Guardian - Sport

Homer continued to miss kicks at goal but Irish regained the lead with a sweeping move after half an hour that saw Kennedy dab the ball down.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing strategic decisions or plays in sports or business, using "a sweeping move" adds dynamism and emphasizes the breadth of the action. Ensure the context supports the implication of a significant and impactful change.

Common error

Avoid using "a sweeping move" to describe minor adjustments or insignificant actions. This phrase implies a substantial and impactful change; using it inappropriately can dilute its meaning and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sweeping move" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes a specific type of action or maneuver. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sweeping move" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a significant and impactful action, frequently observed in sports, business, and general news reporting. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase. While it's grammatically sound and commonly used, it's essential to reserve it for actions of considerable magnitude to avoid diluting its impact. Related phrases like "a comprehensive action" and "a far-reaching initiative" can serve as alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive action

This alternative emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the action.

a far-reaching initiative

This highlights the extensive impact and scope of the move.

a widespread change

This focuses on the breadth and pervasiveness of the alteration.

a broad strategy

This emphasizes the wide-ranging nature and overall plan of the move.

a transformative measure

This underscores the potential for significant and lasting change.

an extensive operation

This implies a large-scale, coordinated effort.

a wholesale reform

This suggests a complete and systemic restructuring.

a general shift

This points to a widespread change in direction or approach.

an overarching plan

This highlights the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of the strategy.

a global campaign

This implies a worldwide or international effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sweeping move" to describe a significant action, often in sports or business, such as, "The team executed "a sweeping move" to gain possession of the ball" or "The company initiated "a sweeping move" to restructure its departments".

What are some alternatives to "a sweeping move"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a comprehensive action", "a far-reaching initiative", or "a widespread change".

Is "a sweeping move" formal or informal?

"A sweeping move" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in news reporting, business contexts, and sports commentary. It's less common in highly formal academic writing or very casual conversation.

What does "a sweeping move" imply?

"A sweeping move" implies a significant, broad, and often decisive action taken to achieve a particular outcome. It suggests an action that has a wide-ranging impact.