sweeping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is broad, extensive, or all-encompassing, often in the context of changes, reforms, or actions. Example: "The government announced sweeping reforms aimed at improving the education system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sweeping US surveillance powers used by the National Security Agency expired at midnight after a dramatic showdown in the Senate.

The Guardian

The first aim was, in the new spirit of socialism sweeping the land under Mitterrand, to demystify the impenetrable secrets of official France.

The Guardian

The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 gives Cabinet ministers sweeping powers in designated emergencies including quarantine areas, restricting travel, handing control of essential industries to the army.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first and as yet only British person to contract Ebola, he is back in Sierra Leone, two months after making a full recovery, to resume his role in the fight against the disease, which is now sweeping the capital.

The Guardian

Already, the authorities enjoy sweeping powers under a 2013 law to close down websites for advocating "extremist activities" or "participation in public events held in breach of appropriate procedures".

The Guardian

The Germans had picked up where they left off against England, their slick exchanges sweeping downfield as Argentinian players gasped in their vapour trails.

The Guardian - Sport

Surrounded by private security guards and accompanied by his 26-year old wife, Noor, Nadir touched down at Luton airport before sweeping into his new Mayfair base in London from where he promised to clear his name at the Old Bailey next month.

The Guardian - Business

Black Lives Matter emerged as the most cohesive movement, with membership across the country and sweeping demands – if not exactly an organisational structure as familiar as establishment civil rights groups.

The Guardian

What Ashcroft's poll has confirmed is that there is a wave sweeping Scottish Labour.

The Guardian

Samsung is close to completing its palatial glass box in San Jose, Amazon is planning to bestow Seattle with a cluster of jungle-filled biospheres, while Google is reviving the 1970s dream of sweeping the world beneath an undulating transparent tent.

The Guardian - Arts

I suspect now that the "hysterical Italian" label embedded itself deeply into my psyche, forcing a kind of internal sweeping under the carpet to avoid accusations of exaggeration.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sweeping", ensure the context clearly indicates the breadth and impact of the action or change being described. It's most effective when highlighting significant or widespread effects.

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping" to describe minor or localized changes. This can create a false impression of significance and weaken the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sweeping" is as a present participle and gerund form of the verb "sweep", often used adjectivally to describe something as having a wide scope or effect. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Sport

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "sweeping" is a versatile adjective and verb form used to describe something extensive or broad in scope. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Its communicative function is to emphasize the scale or impact of a change, action, or movement. While appropriate across various contexts, it's crucial to use "sweeping" accurately, ensuring the described event genuinely warrants such a description to avoid overstatement. Common alternatives include "far-reaching", "extensive", and "comprehensive". Predominantly found in News & Media, its authoritative usage solidifies its role in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far-reaching

Implies effects that extend a considerable distance or affect many people.

extensive

Denotes a wide scope or range.

comprehensive

Suggests a thorough and complete coverage of a subject or area.

broad

Indicates a wide extent or scope.

wholesale

Signifies a complete or large-scale measure.

across-the-board

Implies that something affects everyone or everything in a group.

radical

Indicates a fundamental or dramatic change.

thorough

Suggests a complete and detailed approach.

all-encompassing

Implies that something includes everything.

large-scale

Refers to something involving a large number of things or people.

FAQs

How can I use "sweeping" in a sentence?

The word "sweeping" is versatile. You can use it to describe changes (e.g., "sweeping reforms"), victories (e.g., "a sweeping victory"), or actions (e.g., "sweeping the floor"). The context determines the specific meaning.

What's a good alternative to "sweeping"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "sweeping" include "far-reaching", "extensive", "comprehensive", or "broad". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "sweeping changes"?

Yes, "sweeping changes" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase. It indicates changes that are broad in scope and affect many aspects of a system or situation.

What is the difference between "sweeping" and "broad"?

"Sweeping" often implies a comprehensive or transformative effect, while "broad" simply indicates a wide scope. For example, "sweeping reforms" suggests changes that are not only wide-ranging but also significant, whereas "broad support" indicates widespread but not necessarily transformative approval.