make a sweep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a sweep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is referring to conducting a thorough search or examination of an area or situation. Example: "The security team was instructed to make a sweep of the premises to ensure there were no unauthorized individuals present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Every now and then, the authorities make a sweep.

The Guardian - Travel

"There was supposed to have been some Vietcong in [My Lai] and we began to make a sweep through it," he told me.

The New Yorker

He came around from first when Juan Pierre doubled into the right-field corner and Stinnett dropped the relay throw while preparing to make a sweep tag.

The New York Times - Sports

"I am going to make a sweep of my husband's bookstore in Boonsboro, Md .I'll get a big bag, throw it over my shoulder and take it to the beach -- with a margarita".

The New York Times - Books

Henry and Werner have to look now beyond the sentiment, and make a sweep of appointments based on their experience of running the Red Sox, a long-suffering franchise that won its first championship in 86 years just a few years after they took over.

The New York Times - Sports

Check out this activity sheet for tips on how to make a sweep net to catch insects, along with a list of equipment you'll need for a mini-beast safari, instructions on how to go tree tapping and lots of interesting insect information.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It is not a foregone-conclusion race like the one two years ago, when "Titanic" made a sweep.

The New York Times

In drawing larger lessons about farming and democracy, Jager, a former professor of philosophy at Yale, makes a sweep through the history and literature of American farming.

The New York Times - Books

Maybe Trump wins New Hampshire and makes a sweep of the other battleground states, save Colorado, to produce a 269-269 electoral vote tie.

The Guardian

St. Malachy's of Belfast, Northern Ireland, made a sweep of the high school boys' distance events by winning the 4x800-meter relay today in 7 minutes 38.86 seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

Senior Commissioner Sujarno, chief of operations at the Jakarta police bureau, said, "We made a sweep and disciplined the drivers so we will not see repeated cases" of rape.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a sweep" to describe a search, ensure the context implies a broad or comprehensive examination. If the search is highly targeted, consider "conduct a focused search" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "make a sweep" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "conduct a thorough investigation" or "perform a comprehensive review".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a sweep" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of performing a thorough search or examination of an area, group, or situation. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and can be used in contexts where a thorough search is intended.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a sweep" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that typically describes conducting a thorough search or examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and general articles. While versatile, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or technical writing. The phrase conveys a sense of comprehensive action, whether in a physical search, an inspection, or achieving total victory. Though commonly used, it is worth remembering to use alternatives such as ""conduct a search"" or "perform a scan" depending on the context, to improve precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve a clean sweep

Specifically denotes winning all aspects of a competition.

conduct a search

Focuses on the action of searching thoroughly, removing the implication of a wide area.

comb through

Suggests a meticulous and detailed search.

perform a scan

Implies a systematic examination, often using technology.

carry out an inspection

Emphasizes a formal examination, typically for safety or quality.

go through

Highlights the action of examining or experiencing something.

undertake a review

Highlights the process of evaluating something in detail.

execute a raid

Suggests a sudden and forceful search, often by law enforcement.

win decisively

Shifts the meaning to achieving a clear and comprehensive victory.

clear out

Implies removing or eliminating unwanted elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a sweep" to describe a thorough search or examination, as in, "The police will "conduct a search" of the area for the missing evidence".

What's a good alternative to "make a sweep"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "perform a scan", ""conduct a search"", or "achieve a clean sweep".

Is it correct to say "do a sweep" instead of "make a sweep"?

While "do a sweep" is understandable, "make a sweep" is more common and generally preferred in formal writing. "Conduct a search" provides an alternative.

What does it mean to "achieve a clean sweep"?

To "achieve a clean sweep" means to win all aspects of a competition or election, completely dominating the results.