it was sweeping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was sweeping" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that had a broad or extensive impact, often in a figurative sense, such as a change or movement. Example: "The reform was sweeping, affecting every aspect of the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The newly declassified court ruling, by then chief Fisa judge John Bates, also revealed serious issues with how the NSA handled the US communications it was sweeping up under its foreign intelligence authorisations.

The Guardian

A mile across, the comet caught Hartley's eye because it was sweeping close to the Sun's heat, and its ices were boiling into a fuzzy cocoon of steam and dust.

Independent

The military said it was sweeping the area around Itamar, a religious settlement in the northern West Bank, and had set up checkpoints throughout the West Bank.

The New York Times

In a half-dozen sometimes stormy public meetings across the state, immigrant organizations spoke out against the program, saying it was sweeping up illegal immigrant workers who had not committed crimes and had family members who were in the United States legally.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It is sweeping your movement.

The New Yorker

No one disputes that it is sweeping.

The New York Times

It is sweeping Appalachia, just as it is sweeping much of the English-speaking world.

The New York Times

It's sweeping America's working class.

The Guardian - Money

"And it's sweeping aside a lot of the old preconceptions".

The New York Times

It comes from the coastguard ship Ladoga and within seconds it's sweeping across the water towards them.

Independent

It is sweeping the physical and life sciences, and even making headway in political and social spheres, too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was sweeping" to describe changes, trends, or movements that have a widespread or significant impact. Ensure the subject 'it' is clearly defined and relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "it was sweeping" in overly casual conversations or writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday situations. Opt for simpler language unless you want to create a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was sweeping" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an action or event that had a significant and widespread impact. This usage aligns with Ludwig's examples, which show it describing phenomena like NSA data collection or military actions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was sweeping" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe something with a widespread and significant impact. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and usage in primarily neutral contexts, such as news and media. While the phrase is accurate, it's relatively rare, and users should consider the level of formality appropriate for their specific context. If a more casual tone is desired, alternative phrases like "it was widespread" or "it was extensive" might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was widespread

Emphasizes the broad extent of something.

it was extensive

Highlights the comprehensive nature of an action or event.

it was far-reaching

Focuses on the significant consequences or effects.

it was engulfing

Implies something is being completely surrounded or overwhelmed.

it was pervading

Suggests a gradual spread throughout something.

it was permeating

Similar to pervading, but implies a deeper penetration.

it was encompassing

Emphasizes the inclusion of many things.

it was overarching

Describes something that covers or affects everything.

it was gaining momentum

Focuses on the increasing speed or force of something.

it was on the rise

Indicates an upward trend or increase in prevalence.

FAQs

What does "it was sweeping" mean?

The phrase "it was sweeping" means that something was spreading rapidly or having a wide-ranging impact. It suggests a significant and pervasive influence.

What can I say instead of "it was sweeping"?

You can use alternatives like "it was widespread", "it was extensive", or "it was far reaching" depending on the specific context.

How to use "it was sweeping" in a sentence?

Use "it was sweeping" to describe a trend, change, or movement that is affecting a large area or group. For example, "The reform it was sweeping affected every aspect of the organization."

Is "it was sweeping" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was sweeping" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.