continue to sweep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to sweep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the ongoing action of sweeping, whether literally or metaphorically, in various contexts. Example: "Despite the challenges, we must continue to sweep the floor until it is spotless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The forces of change continue to sweep through the industry.

The Guardian

It is exciting to see the council district wave continue to sweep across Long Island.

The New York Times

Yemen's military "will continue to sweep in and secure the city of Zinjibar, in addition to the other recaptured towns.

The New York Times

NASA's Deep Space Network, a collection of large antennas located around the world, will continue to sweep the skies for a signal from the spacecraft, Mr. Savage said.

The New York Times

Storm-like weather will continue to sweep across the UK today as thousands of people recover from flooding and power disruption to their homes following heavy downpours and gale-force gusts of wind overnight.

Independent

But we cannot continue to sweep the problem of "challenging behaviour" under the carpet; off-loading pupils whose main barrier to learning is social and emotional needs into special schools like mine is not the answer.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Some smashed windows and cars, and the violence continued to sweep across the Shire.

The Guardian

Prosecutors alerted the defense and the court to the problem, but several additional searches continued to sweep up confidential records.

The New York Times

Military forces didn't know where the militants were, so they continued to sweep through looking for them.

The New York Times

Colombian forces continued to sweep into a demilitarized zone that Mr. Pastrana had ceded to rebel control in 1998.

The New York Times

Freezing temperatures and heavy snow continued to sweep through northern and central Europe, disrupting power and travel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "continue to sweep" metaphorically, ensure the subject is something that logically expands or moves broadly, like 'change', 'movements', or 'ideas'.

Common error

Avoid using "continue to sweep" for situations lacking movement or expansion. For example, it's incorrect to say "The building continues to sweep" because buildings are static.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to sweep" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the ongoing nature of an action that covers a wide area or range. The use of "continue" emphasizes that the sweeping action is not new but is persisting over time. This is supported by the Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to sweep" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the ongoing and pervasive nature of an action or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing, although care should be taken to ensure it is used in contexts that logically involve movement or expansion. Alternatives such as "keep sweeping" and "persist in sweeping" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep sweeping

This alternative uses a more direct and concise verb to convey the idea of an ongoing sweeping action.

persist in sweeping

This alternative emphasizes the continuous and determined nature of the sweeping action.

carry on sweeping

This alternative highlights the continuation of the sweeping action without interruption.

go on sweeping

This alternative is a more informal way to express the continuation of the sweeping action.

maintain a sweeping motion

This alternative focuses on the consistent and sustained nature of the sweeping movement.

sustain the sweeping action

This alternative suggests a deliberate effort to maintain the sweeping action.

keep up the sweeping

This alternative focuses on maintaining a certain level or intensity in the sweeping.

never stop sweeping

This alternative emphasizes the unending continuation of the sweeping.

perpetually sweep

This alternative suggests the action of sweeping is happening constantly and indefinitely.

always be sweeping

This alternative reinforces the concept of continuous and habitual sweeping.

FAQs

How can I use "continue to sweep" in a sentence?

You can use "continue to sweep" to describe an ongoing movement or influence, such as "The trend "continues to sweep" the nation" or "Storms "continue to sweep" across the region".

What does "continue to sweep" imply?

"Continue to sweep" suggests a widespread or pervasive action that is ongoing. It can refer to a physical movement across an area or the spread of an abstract concept or trend.

What are some alternatives to "continue to sweep"?

Alternatives include phrases like "keep sweeping", "persist in sweeping", or "carry on sweeping", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "continue to sweep" in formal writing?

Yes, "continue to sweep" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news and analytical contexts, where it describes ongoing trends or events. However, consider more precise language if greater specificity is needed.