full sway

USAGE SUMMARY

"full sway" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone having full control over a situation, group, etc. For example, "The king held full sway over the kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But now the field flowers are in full sway... On certain days, their loveliness makes me almost angry.

The New Yorker

The rush was in full sway by 1898 and the new town of Dawson sprang up to accommodate the miners.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And it's easy for me to recall my disappointments and mistakes -- and times when, to paraphrase Lincoln, the better angels of my nature were not in full sway.

Harvard University

But, these trends were in full sway in the 1990s and mid-2000s, when the unemployment rate fell to very low levels.

The Economist

The New York Dance and Performance Awards, better known as the Bessies, were in full sway on Friday night at the Joyce Theater.

The New York Times - Arts

The backlash against gap years is in full sway, partly for financial reasons and partly because the gap year industry got silly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

American indifference has facilitated, or at least not impeded, China's efforts eventually to establish full-spectrum sway over one of the economically and strategically most crucial waterways in the world.

Stanford University

He aims for the demographic known as "grown and sexy" (now that's a euphemism), and on Saturday night the Nokia Theater was full of swaying couples and sitting couples.

The New York Times - Arts

"Fuck off!" He stuck his chin out and took a heavy, full-body sway towards the window, a bit like the move Michael Jackson does in the video for Smooth Criminal.

Vice

Late into the night, bars were full of heaving, swaying bonhomie, like a tavern in a hammy production of "Henry IV" — this followed by a lot of subzero socializing on the sidewalk.

The New Yorker

From "Sex" to "It's a Crime", their laid back, yet irrepressible grooves took a room that was decked out for a seated audience, but soon played host to a full standing reception, swaying the weekend out.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full sway" to denote situations where influence or control is not just present, but comprehensive and unrestricted. This emphasizes the extent of the power being exerted.

Common error

Avoid using "full sway" when describing limited or partial control. This phrase implies a level of unrestricted power, which, if misrepresented, can diminish the accuracy and credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full sway" functions as a noun phrase, often used after verbs like 'have', 'hold', or 'exert', to denote complete control or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "full sway" is a phrase denoting complete control or influence, deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig AI. It frequently appears in News & Media and Academic contexts, signifying its utility in formal discourse. Alternatives such as "full control" or "absolute command" exist, but "full sway" uniquely emphasizes the unrestricted nature of the power being described. Use it to convey a sense of comprehensive influence, while being mindful to avoid misapplication in scenarios involving limited control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolute control

Emphasizes unrestricted and total command.

full control

Emphasizes direct and complete command over something.

full authority

Indicates complete and legitimate power.

complete dominance

Highlights a superior position of power and influence.

total command

Focuses on absolute control and the ability to direct.

unfettered authority

Suggests unrestricted power and the absence of limitations.

supreme power

Conveys the highest level of control and authority.

free rein

Implies permission to act without constraint.

carte blanche

Signifies unlimited discretionary power.

complete jurisdiction

Indicates full legal authority and control.

FAQs

How is "full sway" typically used in a sentence?

"Full sway" is generally used to indicate that someone or something has complete control or influence over a situation. For example, "The new manager was given "full control" over the project".

What are some alternatives to using "full sway"?

Some alternatives include "complete dominance", "unfettered authority", or "free rein", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "full sway" in formal writing?

Yes, "full sway" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing power dynamics or influence in a comprehensive manner. However, consider the context and choose alternatives if a more nuanced expression is needed.

What's the difference between "full sway" and "has sway"?

"Full sway" implies a complete and unrestricted influence, while "has sway" suggests a more general or partial influence. "Full sway" is the stronger and more absolute term.