as sweeping as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as sweeping as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the extent or breadth of something to another, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The changes proposed by the new policy are as sweeping as those made during the last major reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But a proposal as sweeping as this demanded an especially active Twitter presence.

The New York Times

That means Mr. Romney's win was roughly as sweeping as Mr. Gingrich's in South Carolina.

The New York Times

The win was about as sweeping as the administration could have hoped.

The Economist

But nothing they did then was as sweeping as the proposals they took up this year.

The Guardian

Her new bill to improve background checks is not as sweeping as the gun show bill.

The New York Times

He warned against a tax cut as sweeping as the one that Mr. Bush has proposed.

The New York Times

From what I can gather, The Times's changes will not be nearly as sweeping as The A.P.'s.

The New York Times

In the broader Islamic world, he has helped popularize an Islamic Reformation — with repercussions as sweeping as the Christian Reformation.

The New Yorker

Nor can he think of any democratic country that submits to surveillance as sweeping as that proposed in Britain.

The Economist

A proposal as sweeping as Mr. Bradley's would have no chance -- none, zero -- of passing Congress in the foreseeable future.

The New York Times

What's much less known is that those old confiscatory rates were not as sweeping as they sound.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as sweeping as", ensure that the comparison is clear and that both elements being compared are well-defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what exactly is "sweeping" about both subjects.

Common error

Avoid using "as sweeping as" to describe minor changes or insignificant events. This can lead to hyperbole and weaken the impact of your writing. Ensure the scale of what you're describing truly merits the comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as sweeping as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that something has a broad or extensive scope, comparable to something else that is already known to be broad in scope. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as sweeping as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that highlights the breadth or scope of a subject. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage. It's often employed in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts to emphasize the comprehensive impact of changes or events. When using "as sweeping as", make sure that you use it to actually describe minor changes or insignificant events or can lead to hyperbole and weaken the impact of your writing. Alternatives such as "as broad as", "as extensive as", and "as far-reaching as", offer slightly different nuances, allowing for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as broad as

Focuses on the extent of coverage rather than the impact of something.

as extensive as

Highlights the thoroughness and detail involved.

as far-reaching as

Emphasizes the consequences and effects that extend widely.

as comprehensive as

Stresses the inclusion of all relevant elements or aspects.

as all-encompassing as

Indicates that something covers absolutely everything.

to the same extent as

A more formal and measured way of indicating similarity in magnitude.

comparable in scope to

Highlights the similarity in the range or scale of something.

matches the breadth of

Focuses on the width and range of coverage.

on a similar scale to

Emphasizes the size or magnitude of something in comparison.

of equal magnitude to

A formal phrase indicating equal importance or impact.

FAQs

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

Use "as sweeping as" to compare the breadth, scope, or impact of one thing to another. For example, "The new reforms are "as sweeping as" those implemented during the revolution".

What are some alternatives to "as sweeping as"?

You can use alternatives such as "as broad as", "as extensive as", or "as far-reaching as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as sweeping as" in formal writing?

Yes, "as sweeping as" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when comparing significant changes or impacts. However, ensure the comparison is accurate and avoid exaggeration.

What's the difference between "as sweeping as" and "as significant as"?

"As sweeping as" refers specifically to the breadth or scope of something, while "as significant as" refers to its importance or impact. You would use "as sweeping as" when discussing the extent of changes or effects, and "as significant as" when discussing their importance.