sweep through

USAGE SUMMARY

"sweep through" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe the movement of something from one place to another or the swiftness or completeness of an action. For example, "It felt like a wave of joy swept through the room as the announcement was made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Disastrous floods sweep through Prague.

The New York Times

It can quickly sweep through a nursing home or dormitory.

The New York Times - Health

The forces of change continue to sweep through the industry.

The Guardian

Monsoon rains sweep through the city, then stop.

The New York Times

Robust wafts of marijuana sweep through the lot.

The Guardian - Music

Why not also sweep through other public institutions?

The New York Times

"But by letting history sweep through her fanciful tale, she also proves herself a conscientious scholar".

The New York Times - Arts

Measles, typhoid and cholera are already beginning to sweep through the camps.

The New York Times

She manages to sweep through the lobby as if she were leading a royal procession.

The New York Times

The laptop was supposed to sweep through poor countries, scattering knowledge and connectivity all around.

The Economist

"You can sweep through huge amounts of data and come up with new observations," he says.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweep through" to describe rapid movement or influence, particularly when emphasizing the completeness or pervasiveness of the action. For example, "A wave of nostalgia swept through the audience."

Common error

Avoid using "sweep through" excessively in metaphorical senses, especially if a more precise verb would better convey the intended meaning. Overuse can dilute the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "sweep through" functions primarily as a dynamic descriptor, indicating a rapid and pervasive movement or influence. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage. Examples show it describing both physical phenomena and abstract influences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweep through" is a commonly used phrasal verb that effectively describes rapid movement or pervasive influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and utility across various contexts. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for news, scientific, and business writing, while careful usage prevents overuse in metaphorical scenarios. Alternatives such as "spread rapidly" or "permeate" offer nuanced substitutions depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Ludwig's examples showcase its descriptive power and adaptability in conveying events, processes, and abstract impacts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread rapidly

Emphasizes the quick dissemination or expansion of something.

move swiftly

Focuses on the speed and ease of movement.

race across

Highlights the competitive speed and extensive coverage.

permeate

Indicates a thorough and pervasive spread throughout something.

overrun

Suggests a negative connotation, implying being invaded or overwhelmed.

wash over

Implies a strong emotional or overwhelming experience affecting someone.

ripple through

Suggests a gradual, wave-like spread or effect.

surge through

Highlights a powerful and sudden movement.

gain traction

Focuses on a concept or idea gaining popularity and influence.

establish itself

Emphasizes the act of becoming firmly placed or accepted.

FAQs

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

"Sweep through" is a phrasal verb used to describe something moving quickly and powerfully through an area or affecting many people. For instance, "A cold wave "swept through" the city." or "The rumor "swept through" the office."

What are some alternatives to "sweep through"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "spread rapidly", "move swiftly", or "permeate" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "sweep through" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing events or processes with significant impact. However, ensure that the context warrants the descriptive power of the phrase.

What's the difference between "sweep through" and "go through"?

"Sweep through" implies a rapid and often forceful movement or impact, while "go through" suggests a more gradual or methodical process. For example, a hurricane "sweeps through" a region, but a document "goes through" a review process.