a wider sweep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wider sweep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broader range or more extensive coverage of a subject or area. Example: "The study aims to provide a wider sweep of the environmental impacts of urbanization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The may allow the marlin to make a wider sweep with its tail, generating greater thrust.

The New York Times - Science

However, many activists believe the detentions are part of a wider sweep ahead of the world's first European Games, due to be held next summer in Baku.

The Guardian

Their strategy is a jazz horn sound derived from Ornette Coleman's unruly sax/trumpet harmonies, laid over the hooks and backbeats of rock – and here they do it with even more laid-back nonchalance than usual, and a wider sweep of sound effects.

The Guardian - Music

Kert Davies of Greenpeace said: "The organisations eliminated in this latest rounds of cuts could be called the engine room of the climate sceptic industry, but if Rex Tillerson [head of ExxonMobil] is serious about his company shaking off this shameful legacy, he needs to make a wider sweep".

The Guardian

She immediately searched her neighbourhood on foot, before jumping in her car to conduct a wider sweep.

BBC

The injected surfactant had a wider sweep area compared with the injection in process 2. The incremental recovery and water cut of process 1 are shown in Fig. 14.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Appellant's argument here took a wide sweep.

Cornell University

The military had launched a wide sweep to capture the bombers, Turkish authorities said.

The Guardian

The Maastricht and Amsterdam treaties created and extended a de facto power of veto for the parliament across a wide sweep of law making.

The Economist

"The city is so big that it's hard to tell the scale of that space," he said, indicating a wide sweep of river.

The New Yorker

Houston Street just after demolition could have been London after the blitz: views show a wide sweep of bare lots, raw party walls and ghostly sidewalk outlines.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wider sweep", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being broadened or extended. For instance, specify whether you're referring to the scope of a study, the range of an investigation, or the breadth of an analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "a wider sweep" without specifying the context. Saying "We need a wider sweep" is vague. Instead, clarify with "We need a wider sweep of the data" or "a wider sweep of potential solutions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wider sweep" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a broader range or more extensive coverage of a subject or area. Examples include "make a wider sweep" or "conduct a wider sweep".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a wider sweep" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a more extensive or comprehensive approach, range, or investigation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, and it's suitable for various contexts, though it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being broadened, and consider using alternatives like "a broader perspective" or "a more comprehensive approach" for nuanced meanings. Remember to avoid overgeneralization by always specifying the context of the "sweep".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sweeping review

Maintains the "sweep" metaphor, but emphasizes the act of reviewing.

a larger scope

Highlights the extent or range of something, similar to "sweep" but more abstract.

a more comprehensive approach

Emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of a method or strategy.

a greater range

Indicates a broader spectrum or variety.

a broader perspective

Focuses on the breadth of understanding or viewpoint, rather than the extent of an action.

a more extensive search

Specifically refers to a search that covers more ground or data.

a far-reaching examination

Implies an investigation that extends into many areas or aspects.

an expanded investigation

Emphasizes the enlargement of an ongoing inquiry.

a more inclusive overview

Highlights the act of including more elements in a summary or review.

a generalized coverage

Suggests a broader, less specific handling of a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "a wider sweep" in a sentence?

You can use "a wider sweep" to indicate a more extensive or comprehensive approach. For example, "The investigation required "a wider sweep" of the evidence to uncover the truth."

What are some alternatives to "a wider sweep"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a broader perspective", "a more comprehensive approach", or "a larger scope", depending on the specific context.

Is "a wider sweep" formal or informal?

"A wider sweep" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "a more extensive analysis".

When is it appropriate to use "a wider sweep" instead of "a broader perspective"?

Use "a wider sweep" when referring to actions or investigations that cover more ground or data. Use "a broader perspective" when referring to understanding or viewpoint. For example, "The detective needed "a wider sweep" of the crime scene, to gain "a broader perspective" on the case".