are being swept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being swept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action where something is currently being moved or removed, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The leaves are being swept away by the strong winds of autumn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Outmoded hiring procedures are being swept away.

The Economist

We are being swept by the tsunami north of the border".

Independent

Now that the dictators are being swept away, Islamist parties are trying to fill the void.

The New York Times

Booksellers like my father are being swept out of the book trade.

The New York Times

On the law enforcement front terrorists are being swept up in an international dragnet.

The New York Times

But many of them are being swept up in the turmoil in the financial world.

The New York Times

Mexico and parts of Central America are being swept up in drug-related violence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The case was being swept under the rug.

The New York Times - Sports

In this third age a whole way of life has been, and is being, swept away.

The Guardian - Books

I am being swept along by a tidal surge of densely packed wool, silk and anxiety.

The New York Times - Arts

Everywhere the past — temples, ancient walls, sinuous alleys — is being swept away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are being swept" to convey a sense of momentum and inevitability, particularly when discussing large-scale changes or movements.

Common error

Avoid using "are being swept" in situations where a more static or descriptive verb would be more appropriate. This phrase is best suited for dynamic processes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being swept" functions as a passive voice construction in the present continuous tense. It indicates that the subject is undergoing an action performed by an external force or influence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being swept" is a versatile passive construction in the present continuous tense, commonly used to describe ongoing changes or removals. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in neutral contexts, particularly within news and media sources. While effective in conveying momentum and inevitability, it's important to avoid overuse in static situations. Related phrases like "are being overwhelmed" and "are being removed" offer nuanced alternatives, enhancing precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are getting wiped out

Emphasizes a total destruction or removal, often in a sudden or forceful way.

are being overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being burdened or overcome by a large amount of something.

are getting carried away

Emphasizes a loss of control or moderation due to excitement or strong emotions.

are being overtaken

Suggests a displacement or surpassing by something else, often implying a competitive context.

are being removed

Focuses on the action of taking something away, often in a deliberate or systematic manner.

are disappearing

Indicates a gradual fading or vanishing from sight or existence.

are being eradicated

Implies a complete and permanent removal or destruction.

are facing elimination

Highlights the threat of being completely removed or destroyed.

are succumbing to

Implies a yielding or giving in to an overwhelming force or influence.

are being supplanted

Focuses on the replacement of one thing by another, often implying a loss of position or relevance.

FAQs

How can I use "are being swept" in a sentence?

Use "are being swept" to describe a situation where something is being rapidly or forcefully removed or influenced. For example, "Old traditions "are being swept" away by modernization".

What can I say instead of "are being swept"?

You can use alternatives like "are being overwhelmed", "are being removed", or "are disappearing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are being swept" or "were being swept"?

"Are being swept" indicates a present continuous passive action, while "were being swept" indicates a past continuous passive action. The correct choice depends on the time frame you are referring to.

What's the difference between "are being swept" and "are swept"?

"Are being swept" implies an ongoing process, while "are swept" suggests a general state or habitual action. For instance, "The floors "are being swept" now" versus "The floors "are swept" every day".