are not sweeping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not sweeping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not comprehensive or extensive in scope or effect. Example: "The changes proposed in the policy are not sweeping, but they do address some key issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They are not sweeping thinkers, but they make sensitive discriminations about the people and the circumstances around them.

The New York Times

But even in California, the steps taken on privacy legislation are not sweeping overhauls like those supported by the White House.

The New York Times - Tech

They are not sweeping news analyses, only the stuff of a close observer: that dazed, ashen police officer silhouetted against the rubble in Manhattan, the Afghan infantry column moving in a haze of dust at sunset, the star-flecked galactic night arching over a rooftop in Kabul on Christmas eve.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The encouraging news is we're still going about our daily lives and still spending; stories of rampant destitution aren't sweeping the nation.

Forbes

Barbour, Goodwin and Jealous are cheered by the fact that the people in Sanford aren't "sweeping the matter under the rug," but are actually calling for additional scrutiny.

Huffington Post

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Vice

"It's not sweeping anything under the rug," Mr. Irsay said.

The New York Times - Sports

"These are not new powers, they're not sweeping powers, they're powers that are clearly defined," he told reporters.

The New York Times

Some Republicans, saying it was not sweeping enough, voted against a similar measure in the House, which was defeated today.

The New York Times

Then, there are academics and intellectuals who, though they usually aren't willing to defend the rights of child molesters, may be prepared to argue that a culture of moral relativism is not sweeping the country.

The New Yorker

As Mary Lavo, the merchandising manager in charge of cosmetics for Barneys, says, the custom-scent trend is not sweeping huge numbers because of the time (and money) the process requires -- like couture versus ready-to-wear.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not sweeping", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being compared to a broader or more comprehensive alternative. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "are not sweeping" when describing something that is inherently small or localized. The phrase implies a comparison to something larger or more impactful, so ensure this contrast is present in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not sweeping" functions as a qualifier, specifically used to moderate or downplay the extent or impact of a particular action, change, or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. It's often deployed to contrast with expectations of more substantial or revolutionary changes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not sweeping" is used to describe changes or actions that lack broad or significant impact. Grammatically correct, Ludwig AI confirms this usage is valid and effective for managing expectations and providing realistic assessments. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for a wide audience. While alternatives like "are not far-reaching" or "are not extensive" exist, "are not sweeping" offers a concise way to convey limited scope.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not far-reaching

Changes the adjective to emphasize the limited scope of influence or effect.

are not extensive

Focuses on the idea that something does not cover a large area or range.

are not comprehensive

Highlights the absence of thoroughness or completeness.

are limited in scope

Uses a different grammatical structure to convey the restricted extent of something.

do not have a broad impact

Emphasizes the lack of wide-ranging effects or consequences.

are not all-encompassing

Stresses that something does not include everything or everyone.

are not universal

Indicates that something does not apply to all cases or situations.

are rather limited

Adds an adverb to emphasize the restricted nature of something.

are somewhat narrow

Uses a different adjective to suggest a lack of breadth or inclusiveness.

are not particularly wide

Emphasizes that the range of something is not especially large or extensive.

FAQs

How can I use "are not sweeping" in a sentence?

You can use "are not sweeping" to describe changes, reforms, or actions that do not have a wide-ranging or significant impact. For example, "The proposed changes "are not sweeping", focusing instead on minor adjustments".

What are some alternatives to "are not sweeping"?

Alternatives include "are not far-reaching", "are not extensive", or "are not comprehensive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "is not sweeping" instead of "are not sweeping"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is not sweeping" for singular subjects (e.g., "The change is not sweeping"), and "are not sweeping" for plural subjects (e.g., "The changes are not sweeping").

What does it mean when something is described as "not sweeping"?

When something is described as "not sweeping", it means that it does not have a broad or comprehensive effect. It implies that the changes or actions are limited in scope and do not fundamentally alter the situation.