sweep the stage

USAGE SUMMARY

"sweep the stage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as a command to suggest cleaning a stage, such as in a theater. For example, "The show has ended, so let's sweep the stage before the next group arrives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Janitors sweep the stage like zombies and pensioners are wheeled around like prisoners.

The Guardian

Coloured spotlights sweep the stage as various session musicians and backing singers assemble.

The Guardian

Has he come to sweep the stage, or is he a prompter run mad?

The Guardian

She staggered a bit in a long gown and bent over to let her loosened hair sweep the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

Clearly Saeterbakken has gone well out of his way to sweep the stage of this moral drama clean of any devices that might make it conventionally "entertaining".

The New York Times - Books

"I'll dress up in sacking, play an old woman, sweep the stage, if it means that one day I can be like them".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"But you did everything then – assistant director, casting, read new plays, swept the stage".

The Guardian - Books

Peter Mumford's lighting sweeps the stage with amber and violet, telling of the rising and fading of days and hopes.

The Guardian

Roy, a Harvard physics professor, has nobly, stylishly, and vigorously swept the stage for 10 long years.

The Guardian

The curtain envelops all the characters in the play and finally it sweeps the stage clean and moves menacingly toward the audience.

The New York Times - Magazine

A LIFE-GIVING blast of anarchy sweeps the stage late in the soggy revival of "The Man Who Came to Dinner" that opened last night at the American Airlines Theater.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sweep the stage" literally, ensure the context clearly indicates the physical act of cleaning. Avoid using it metaphorically unless the audience understands the implied connection to clearing obstacles or preparing for something new.

Common error

Avoid using "sweep the stage" as a metaphor in contexts where the connection to cleaning or preparation is not immediately apparent. Overusing it can confuse the audience.

Linguistic Context

Verb phrase functioning as an imperative or infinitive, often used to describe the literal act of cleaning a stage area. Ludwig AI indicates this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, supported by various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

20%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sweep the stage" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of cleaning a stage, as validated by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources, with occasional use in the Arts and Books categories. While the phrase can be used literally, it also carries a metaphorical meaning of clearing away obstacles or making way for something new. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, making it a useful addition to one's vocabulary. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear, especially when employing the metaphorical sense. Alternatives include "clean the stage" or "clear the stage", depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clean the stage

This alternative uses a more general verb for cleaning, instead of the specific action of sweeping.

clear the stage

This phrase implies removing objects or obstacles from the stage, not necessarily cleaning.

mop the stage

This alternative suggests a different cleaning method involving a mop, implying a wet cleaning process.

tidy the stage

This means to make the stage neat and organized, which includes sweeping but also other actions.

prepare the stage

Focuses on getting the stage ready for a performance, which may or may not involve sweeping.

set the stage

This is often used metaphorically to describe creating conditions for something to happen, rather than literal cleaning.

groom the stage

Suggests careful and detailed preparation, possibly more meticulous than simply sweeping.

dust the stage

This focuses specifically on removing dust, which is a subset of sweeping.

hoover the stage

This is a British English alternative, using a brand name to refer to vacuum cleaning the stage.

sanitize the stage

This implies a more thorough cleaning process, focused on eliminating germs and bacteria, beyond just sweeping.

FAQs

How to use "sweep the stage" in a sentence?

You can use "sweep the stage" in a sentence to describe the action of cleaning a stage with a broom, or metaphorically to describe clearing away obstacles. For example, "After the performance, the crew had to sweep the stage to remove all the debris".

What can I say instead of "sweep the stage"?

You can use alternatives like "clean the stage", "clear the stage", or "tidy the stage depending on the context".

Which is correct, "sweep the stage" or "sweeping the stage"?

"Sweep the stage" is a command or instruction, while "sweeping the stage" is a continuous action. The correct usage depends on the intended meaning. "Sweep the stage" is an instruction. "Sweeping the stage" describes the act in progress.

Can "sweep the stage" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "sweep the stage" can be used metaphorically to mean clearing away old ideas or making way for something new. For example, "The new CEO plans to sweep the stage and bring in fresh talent".