a sweeping understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sweeping understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broad or comprehensive grasp of a subject or concept. Example: "Her research provided a sweeping understanding of the historical context surrounding the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nor have the court's prior rulings "accepted such a sweeping understanding of executive power".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Suu Kyi also hinted at a sweeping victory, telling supporters to "be understanding of those who lose".

Los Angeles Times

Two years ago, for example, the Graduate School of Business at Stanford made a sweeping curriculum change that included more emphasis on multidisciplinary perspectives and understanding of cultural contexts.

The New York Times

Outside, a sweeping mountain view.

The Economist

But they have a sweeping vision.

The Economist

A sweeping critique, indeed.

The New York Times

A sweeping hollowness.

The Guardian - Opinion

A sweeping novel of twentieth-century Poland.

The New Yorker

"But it's not a sweeping statement".

The New York Times

Such a sweeping restriction is rare.

The New York Times

"Violent" to a sweeping gust of wind?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey a deep, all-encompassing grasp, use "a sweeping understanding". It suggests not just knowledge, but also comprehension of implications and connections.

Common error

Avoid using "a sweeping understanding" in situations where a simple or basic understanding is sufficient. Reserve it for scenarios requiring genuine depth and breadth of comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sweeping understanding" functions as a noun phrase, where "sweeping" modifies "understanding". According to Ludwig, it describes a comprehensive or broad grasp of a subject, indicating a thorough comprehension.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sweeping understanding" is a phrase used to describe a broad and comprehensive grasp of a subject. While grammatically correct and versatile, according to Ludwig, it is relatively rare in occurrence. Its primary function is to emphasize the extent and depth of comprehension, making it suitable for academic, news, and general discussions. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science domains. Alternatives like "a comprehensive grasp" or "a broad insight" can be used depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive grasp

Focuses on thoroughness and completeness of understanding.

a broad insight

Emphasizes the depth and perceptiveness of the understanding.

a wide appreciation

Highlights the value and recognition associated with understanding.

an extensive knowledge

Stresses the breadth and amount of information known.

a holistic view

Highlights seeing the whole picture rather than focusing on individual parts.

a global perspective

Focuses on a worldwide or all-encompassing viewpoint.

a complete overview

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness and thoroughness of the summary or review.

a general awareness

Highlights a basic familiarity and consciousness of the subject.

a universal concept

Highlights ideas applicable to all situations.

an inclusive interpretation

Focuses on an all-embracing and comprehensive understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sweeping understanding" to describe a comprehensive grasp of a subject, as in "Her research provided "a sweeping understanding" of the historical context."

What's a good alternative to "a sweeping understanding"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a comprehensive grasp", "a broad insight", or "an extensive knowledge".

Is "a sweeping understanding" formal or informal?

"A sweeping understanding" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts.

What does "a sweeping understanding" emphasize?

"A sweeping understanding" emphasizes the breadth, depth, and comprehensiveness of comprehension, suggesting a thorough grasp of the subject's implications and connections.