sweep around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweep around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing the action of moving or cleaning in a circular or encompassing manner. Example: "After the party, we had to sweep around the living room to pick up all the confetti and debris."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

When the chronograph is active, the secondary hand will sweep around and the subdials register the hours and minutes elapsed, returning to 0 when they hit their limits.

TechCrunch

Try to sweep around as you walk -- capes and long coats are ideal for this.

WikiHow

I just sweep around them".

The New York Times

They hold hands in a circle (fellowship); they sweep around the stage (emotion).

The New Yorker

Everyone backed away and this gale seemed to sweep around me.

Independent

Kluck's change of direction meant the inevitable abandonment of the original wide sweep around the far (western) side of Paris.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She ran it along the fence at the end of the garden and did a sweep around the pond.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The first emotion to sweep around the course was relief.

The Guardian - Sport

This allows Obama a more panoramic sweep around the Middle East.

BBC

The remaining results sweep around clockwise.

BioData Mining

We infer a similar selective sweep around OsAMT1 1 caused largely by natural selection for an ammonium transporter.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a visual search, use "sweep around" to convey a sense of broad coverage and methodical examination.

Common error

Avoid using "sweep around" when the intended meaning is a linear or direct movement; this phrase specifically implies a circular or encompassing action.

Linguistic Context

Sweep around functions primarily as a phrasal verb. Its function is to describe a circular or encompassing movement, a thorough search, or a widespread effect. Ludwig examples clearly showcase this multifaceted usage, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "sweep around" is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts. It is most frequently used in news, science, and wiki articles. The phrase denotes a circular motion, a comprehensive search, or a widespread effect. While versatile, it should not be used for linear movements or direct actions. Ludwig AI validates its usability and relevance, as demonstrated through numerous examples in Ludwig. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide array of writing purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

circumnavigate

Implies a complete journey around something, focusing on physical movement and completion of a circle.

encircle

Suggests forming a circle around something, emphasizing containment or surrounding an area.

encompass

Indicates including or covering a wide area or range, highlighting comprehensiveness.

move around

A general term for changing location within an area. Emphasizes the movement rather than the shape of the movement.

search comprehensively

Highlights a thorough and extensive search, focusing on the detail and scope of the search.

circulate

Implies movement in a cycle or circuit, often without a specific target or destination.

travel around

Suggests journeying through a place or area, emphasizing exploration and coverage.

spread throughout

Indicates an even distribution across a space or area, highlighting the extent of coverage.

investigate thoroughly

Emphasizes a detailed and in-depth examination, focusing on scrutiny and discovery.

affect widely

Highlights a broad impact or influence, focusing on the extent of the effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "sweep around" to describe a circular movement, like "The lighthouse beam "swept around" the coast", or a thorough search, like "Inspectors "swept around" the building looking for code violations".

What are some alternatives to "sweep around"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "circumnavigate", "encompass", or "move around".

Is "sweeping around" grammatically correct?

Yes, "sweeping around" is the present participle form of the phrasal verb "sweep around" and is grammatically correct. For example, "The camera was "sweeping around" the room".

What's the difference between "sweep around" and "search through"?

"Sweep around" implies a circular or broad motion, while "search through" suggests a detailed examination of something. You might "sweep around" a room with a flashlight, but "search through" a drawer for a specific item.