has swept away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has swept away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been completely removed or eliminated, often in a dramatic or forceful manner. Example: "The storm has swept away the old bridge, leaving the town cut off from the main road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

He has swept away a bureaucracy that thwarted his predecessors.

The New York Times

This election has swept away much of the old deadwood.

The Guardian - Opinion

On balance it has swept away barriers to internal trade and the free movement of people.

The Economist

He faces a rising Republican tide that has swept away all other Democrats holding statewide office.

The Economist

China's transition to a market economy has swept away many restrictions in people's lives.

The New York Times

Within fourteen days of taking charge, she has "swept away the old and established the new".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Fallen trees and power lines had blocked roads and floods had swept away bridges.

The Economist

He had swept away liberal reforms introduced in the 1930s, when Spain was a republic.

The Economist

In the 1980s and 1990s, the supermarkets had swept away trade from markets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In most countries, the outrageousness of the attacks seemed to have swept away any hesitations about condemning them.

The Economist

Floods have swept away hundreds of cars, leaving row boats as the only means of transportation in many towns.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has swept away" to describe a forceful removal or elimination of something, particularly when the change is dramatic or sudden. For instance, "The new policy has swept away old regulations."

Common error

Avoid using "has swept away" in contexts where a gentler phrase would suffice. It's too strong for describing minor changes; consider alternatives like "has replaced" or "has updated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has swept away" functions as a present perfect verb phrase, indicating an action completed at some point in the past that has a current relevance or result. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has swept away" is a present perfect verb phrase used to describe the forceful and complete removal or elimination of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is typically neutral, it's best to avoid it in mild or unimportant situations. Consider alternatives like ""has eliminated"" or "has removed" for less dramatic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has eradicated

Implies a complete destruction or elimination of something, often something negative or unwanted.

has eliminated

Suggests a removal or termination, often in a more controlled or systematic manner.

has removed

Indicates a physical or metaphorical taking away of something.

has overturned

Implies a reversal or cancellation of a decision or system.

has abolished

Refers to the formal cancellation of a law, system, or practice.

has dismantled

Suggests a taking apart or breaking down of something, often a system or structure.

has displaced

Indicates the movement or forced relocation of something or someone.

has overwhelmed

Suggests being completely overcome by a force or feeling.

has washed away

Implies removal by water, literally or figuratively.

has erased

Suggests a complete obliteration, as if wiping something clean.

FAQs

How can I use "has swept away" in a sentence?

Use "has swept away" to describe a dramatic or forceful removal or elimination of something. For example, "The flood "has washed away" homes and businesses" or "The revolution "has eliminated" old traditions".

What can I say instead of "has swept away"?

You can use alternatives like "has eradicated", ""has eliminated"", or "has removed" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "has swept away"?

It's best to use "has swept away" when describing a significant or sudden change that completely removes or eliminates something. It's often used in the context of reforms, natural disasters, or cultural shifts.

Is "has swept away" formal or informal?

"Has swept away" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more impactful and less common in very casual conversation. However, consider the context for formality, such as “the new policy "has eliminated" legacy practices”.