last sweep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last sweep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the final inspection or cleaning of an area or task before completion. Example: "Before we submit the project, let's do one last sweep to ensure everything is in order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

10. Make One Final Sweep Take one last sweep of the house before the driver leaves.

Huffington Post

Paint surface with sweeping motions that overlap last sweep by 50%.

WikiHow

WHEN did a horse last sweep the Triple Crown?

The New York Times

He said Westport had collected $68,000 since the last sweep four years ago.

The New York Times

He said: "I'd finished my work and was leaving the reserve but couldn't resist one last sweep on my net and that's when I found the wasp.

The Guardian

It was only Scotland's second victory over South Africa in 13 post-apartheid matches, and it was the second time Scotland had ruined the Springboks' Grand Slam dreams in four bids since their last sweep in 1960-61.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

They were last swept by a division foe in 2000.

The New York Times - Sports

They were last swept in a best-of-seven series in 1976, by Cincinnati.

The New York Times

The US president last swept into the Vatican in 2009 on a tide of Obama-mania.

The Guardian

The White Sox last swept a four-game series in Cleveland in 1963.

The New York Times - Sports

The aides said the mayor's office was last swept, and found to be clean, in June.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "last sweep", ensure the context clearly indicates that this is the concluding action or review before completion. This helps avoid ambiguity and reinforces the finality of the process.

Common error

Avoid using "last sweep" in highly formal or professional documents where a more precise term like "final inspection" or "final review" might be more appropriate. The phrase carries a slightly informal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last sweep" primarily functions as a noun phrase describing a final action of cleaning, inspecting, or searching. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in contexts ranging from physical spaces to genetic processes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "last sweep" is a commonly used phrase that denotes a final action of inspection, cleaning, or searching before completion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting well in news, media, and general contexts. Although its register is primarily neutral to informal, being mindful of the audience and purpose is important as using it in formal or professional settings may necessitate opting for alternatives, such as "final inspection" or "final review". Keep in mind to use "last sweep" to emphasize completeness and finality of the event you are writing about.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final check

Focuses on the act of verifying or inspecting something for the last time.

final review

Highlights the act of critically assessing something for the last time.

last inspection

Emphasizes a formal examination or review as the final step.

final pass

Suggests a concluding attempt or review, often in a more casual context.

last once-over

Suggests a final, quick examination to ensure everything is in order.

one last look

Indicates a quick, final observation before concluding something.

final search

Emphasizes the concluding act of looking for something.

final run-through

Implies a comprehensive rehearsal or practice session as the last step.

last going-over

Informal term for a final check or inspection.

last scan

Refers to a concluding electronic or visual examination.

FAQs

How can I use "last sweep" in a sentence?

You can use "last sweep" to describe a final inspection or search before completing a task. For example, "Make one "final sweep" of the house before the movers leave."

What's a more formal alternative to "last sweep"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "final inspection" or "final review" for a more professional tone.

Is "last sweep" appropriate for technical documentation?

While usable, it's often better to opt for more precise terms like "final scan" or "final pass" in technical writing to avoid any ambiguity.

What does "last sweep" typically refer to?

"Last sweep" commonly refers to the concluding action of cleaning, inspecting, or searching an area or process before finalizing it. The term implies a final check to ensure nothing is missed.