sweep over

USAGE SUMMARY

'sweep over' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a sudden or overwhelming occurrence of an emotion or an event. For example, you could say: "A wave of sadness swept over him as he thought about his beloved grandmother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cool, damp low pressure will sweep over much of the Western United States, Thursday into Friday.

The Washington Post

In winter occasional high-pressure areas to the east allow biting polar continental air to sweep over Britain.

Britannica

Without its cooling influence, weather patterns will be badly disrupted, including storms set to sweep over Britain.

The Guardian

Storm clouds sweep over the black water.

Huffington Post

Courtesy of a slog sweep over midwicket.

The Guardian - Sport

String players let their arms sweep over their instruments.

The New York Times - Arts

And instead of wuthering winds, sandstorms sweep over the stage.

The Guardian

Hence, solar desalination is a feasible alternative to sweep over this massive difficulty.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Cleveland earned its first four-game home sweep over the Tigers since 1991.

The New York Times

On Sunday, Toronto can complete its first three-game sweep over the Yankees since September 2000.

The New York Times - Sports

Cumulus clouds project great shadows that sweep over patchwork fields planted with alfalfa and wheat.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweep over" to describe a rapid or overwhelming effect, such as a feeling or weather system affecting a large area.

Common error

Avoid using "sweep over" for slow, gradual changes; reserve it for events or emotions that arrive suddenly and with considerable force.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "sweep over" primarily functions as a descriptor of sudden, overwhelming actions or feelings. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it often depicts weather patterns or emotional states. This usage is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment of correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "sweep over" effectively describes a rapid and often overwhelming action or emotional experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Primarily found in news and scientific contexts, it conveys a sense of scale and intensity. While alternatives such as "wash over" or "engulf" exist, "sweep over" uniquely captures the sense of sudden, widespread impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wash over

Emphasizes the feeling or emotional impact more than the physical coverage.

overwhelm

Focuses on the intensity and impact of something taking control.

engulf

Suggests a complete surrounding and often destructive impact.

blanket

Implies a covering action, like a blanket covering something entirely.

roll over

Indicates a continuous, wave-like motion across a surface.

pass over

Focuses on movement across without necessarily implying impact or coverage.

spread across

Highlights the distribution or extension of something over an area.

move across

A more literal and less figurative way of describing movement.

flow over

Suggests a smooth, liquid-like movement across a surface.

surge over

Conveys a sudden and powerful movement across something.

FAQs

What does "sweep over" mean?

The phrase "sweep over" means to move quickly and powerfully across something, or to affect someone strongly and suddenly. It often describes an overwhelming feeling or event.

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

You can use "sweep over" to describe weather, emotions, or other phenomena that move or affect something rapidly. For example, "A wave of nostalgia swept over her as she looked at old photographs."

What can I say instead of "sweep over"?

Alternatives to "sweep over" include "wash over", "overwhelm", or "engulf", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "sweep over" in formal writing?

Yes, "sweep over" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing significant events or intense emotions. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it fits the overall tone.