be swept

USAGE SUMMARY

"be swept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an imperative sentence, with the meaning of ordering someone to do something, or giving instructions on what to do. Example: "Be swept away by the beauty of the sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

be swept away?

The New York Times - Arts

Streets would not be swept.

The New York Times

We can be swept away.

Independent

will be swept away.

The New York Times - Books

Then that, too, will be swept away.

The New York Times

Listen, and be swept away.

The Guardian - Music

Will homes be swept away across riverbanks?

The Guardian

Death shouldn't be swept under the rug.

The New York Times

"Crime cannot be swept under the carpet".

The Guardian

None of us thought we'd be swept".

The New York Times - Sports

I don't want to be swept away.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be swept" to create vivid imagery and emphasize the power or force of the action. It adds a sense of being overwhelmed or uncontrollably moved by something.

Common error

Avoid using "be swept" without a clear subject. Ensure the sentence structure indicates what or who is being acted upon, or the meaning becomes unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be swept" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action rather than performing it. Ludwig's examples show its common use to describe being overwhelmed or carried away by a force or emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be swept" functions as a passive verb phrase, conveying a sense of being overwhelmed or carried away, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans diverse contexts, particularly within news, science, and formal writing, making it a versatile expression. Ludwig's examples showcase its common use to describe both literal and figurative scenarios where a subject is acted upon by an external force. When using this phrase, clarity is essential, ensuring the sentence structure explicitly indicates what is doing the sweeping.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be overwhelmed

Focuses on the emotional or mental impact of being overcome by something.

be carried away

Emphasizes being transported or excessively influenced by something.

be eliminated

Highlights removal or exclusion from a group or situation.

be wiped out

Implies complete destruction or removal.

be washed away

Suggests being removed or destroyed by water or a similar force.

be overtaken

Conveys being surpassed or surpassed by something else.

be consumed

Focuses on being completely used up or absorbed by something.

be forgotten

Suggests something is no longer remembered or considered.

be brushed aside

Emphasizes being dismissed or ignored.

be cast aside

Implies being rejected or abandoned.

FAQs

How can I use "be swept" in a sentence?

You can use "be swept" to describe being powerfully moved or influenced by something, such as "be swept away by the music" or to indicate removal or destruction, like "be swept away by the flood".

What does it mean to say someone will "be swept" aside?

Saying someone will "be swept" aside implies they will be disregarded, ignored, or easily defeated. It suggests a lack of power or influence in a given situation.

Are there different connotations when saying "be swept" away versus "be swept" aside?

Yes, "be swept" away typically suggests being overwhelmed or carried off emotionally or physically, while "be swept" aside implies being dismissed or ignored. The context dictates the specific meaning.

What can I say instead of "be swept" under the rug?

Alternatives to "be swept" under the rug include "be covered up", "be hidden", or "be ignored", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.