perform a sweep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perform a sweep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to searching, scanning, or checking an area or a set of data thoroughly. Example: "Before the event starts, we need to perform a sweep of the venue to ensure everything is in order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The dogs that perform a sweep of the schools about once a month also are being trained to sniff out ­e-cigarettes, she said.

The Washington Post

Use your purchased camera detector to perform a sweep of the room you are searching.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As part of an ongoing review of the sector the OFT performed a "sweep" of 50 lenders which account for the majority of loans.

The Guardian - Money

The company promises that within an hour the technician, equipped with a receiver and antenna, will have performed a sweep of up to five miles from the site where the pet was last seen, and in theory, have returned the lost animal.

The New York Times - Tech

HMS Lance and her sister ship Landrail were performing a "sweep" of the North Sea just hours after the outbreak of war when the semi-automatic naval gun fired at a German minelayer off the Dutch coast.

BBC

YouGov also performed a sweep of the East Coast, where beers such as Yuengling, Beck's and Foster's showed up on New York's favored list and Busch and Amstel were among the top ranked in Boston.

Los Angeles Times

On 31 October 2012, a group of local law enforcement agencies and approximately 20 trained sniffer dogs descended on the Vista Grande High School in Arizona to perform a drug sweep.

The Guardian - Opinion

It has always been the case that, when Jayne and I call it a day, she goes upstairs while I linger downstairs in order to lock up, switch off the lights, perform a visual sweep, and generally satisfy myself that everything is shipshape and we can safely bed down.

The New Yorker

Will Europe perform a major clean sweep?

The Times

You perform a quick visual sweep of the checkout options and immediately start ramming your cart through traffic toward an appealingly unpeopled line halfway across the store.

The New York Times - Science

Our system takes approximately 3.2 seconds to perform a full horizontal sweep and 0.7 seconds to scan vertically to either its maximum upward position or its minimum downward position from its initial center position.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "perform a sweep" in technical contexts, ensure the type of sweep is clearly defined (e.g., "perform a frequency sweep", "perform a security sweep") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "perform a sweep" in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "check" or "scan" are often more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perform a sweep" functions as a verb phrase where "perform" acts as a transitive verb, and "a sweep" functions as the direct object. It denotes the action of carrying out a thorough search or scan, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perform a sweep" is a versatile phrase used to describe a thorough search or examination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability across various contexts. While "perform a sweep" is suitable for neutral to formal settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in casual conversation. The frequency analysis indicates its common usage in news, science, and wiki contexts, emphasizing its role in reporting and technical descriptions. When using "perform a sweep", clarity is key: specify the type of sweep to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conduct a search

Replaces "perform" with "conduct", focusing on the act of searching.

carry out a scan

Substitutes "perform" with "carry out" and "sweep" with "scan", emphasizing a systematic examination.

undertake a check

Replaces "perform" with "undertake" and "sweep" with "check", highlighting a verification process.

execute a search

Uses "execute" instead of "perform", suggesting a more formal or planned search.

complete a survey

Replaces "sweep" with "survey", implying a comprehensive overview or investigation.

run a diagnostic

Replaces "sweep" with "diagnostic", focusing on identifying issues or problems.

do a check

Uses simpler language, replacing "perform a sweep" with "do a check" for an informal context.

make a reconnaissance

Substitutes with a more specific term implying prior exploration to gather data.

sweep through

Changes the structure to a verb phrase emphasizing the action of moving across an area.

give it a once-over

This idiom means to examine something or somewhere quickly. It's more informal.

FAQs

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

You can use "perform a sweep" to describe a thorough search or scan. For example: "The police will "conduct a sweep" of the area for evidence" or "The technician will "carry out a scan" to identify vulnerabilities".

What are some alternatives to "perform a sweep"?

Alternatives include "conduct a search", "carry out a scan", or "undertake a check" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate: "perform a sweep" or "do a check"?

"Perform a sweep" is generally more formal and implies a systematic or thorough examination. "Do a check" is more informal and suitable for casual situations. The best choice depends on the context and audience.

What does "perform a sweep" typically involve?

"Perform a sweep" typically involves a methodical search, scan, or examination of an area, system, or set of data to identify specific items, issues, or vulnerabilities. The exact nature of the sweep depends on the context.