sweeping around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping around" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a motion or movement that is wide, broad, or all-encompassing. It can also imply a sense of speed or urgency. Example: The storm clouds were sweeping around the horizon, casting dark shadows over the city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

He'll be sweeping around you while you're dancing".

The New Yorker

A lethal disease sweeping around the world has reached Britain.

Independent

"It shows not one but two resurfacing waves sweeping around the patera.

University of California, Berkeley

"He came sweeping around and right to the side of her face - wham," Mr. Daly said.

The New York Times

"She was wearing a coat, kind of sweeping around her front porch," Ms. Fulmer said.

The New York Times

Wind sweeping around such a cavity erodes the walls, floor, and ceiling, resulting in a bottle-shaped chamber usually of greater diameter than the entrance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

He made a sweeping gesture around the circle, and other trainees testified.

The New Yorker

I imagined a big modern wall clock, the second hand sweeping efficiently around the circle.

The New Yorker

Sweeping slowly around the room, these rainbow-tinted bands induce a pleasant, meditative state.

The New York Times - Arts

"Why do you say dreams are our real life?" Big Uncle made a sweeping gesture around us. "This is all a dream," he said.

The New Yorker

This question saw a big spike in positive responses just in the past year, perhaps reflecting the spate of demonstrations sweeping schools around the country.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweeping around" to vividly describe a broad motion or encompassing action, such as a camera panning across a landscape or a trend influencing many areas at once.

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping around" with subjects that don't inherently involve motion or influence. For example, saying "the table was sweeping around the room" is incorrect unless the table is somehow moving on its own.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping around" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often forming part of a continuous verb tense to describe an action that involves movement or extension across an area. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use to describe physical movements like camera angles or abstract concepts like influence or trends spreading.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sweeping around" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to depict actions that involve a broad motion or influence across an area. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. It appears most frequently in News & Media, encyclopedias, and academic writing. When writing, use "sweeping around" to vividly describe motion or encompassing actions. Be careful not to use it with static subjects. Alternatives like "encircling" or "extending around" can be considered for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encircling

Focuses on the act of forming a circle or encompassing something.

extending around

Emphasizes the spatial reach or coverage in a circular or semi-circular path.

moving swiftly about

Highlights both the speed and the circular or general motion.

circulating

Implies a continuous movement in a closed path or area.

compassing

Similar to encircling, but can also imply understanding or dealing with something completely.

spreading throughout

Focuses on the diffusion or permeation within an area.

ranging over

Indicates a wide scope of movement or influence.

traversing

Highlights the act of moving across or through an area.

meandering through

Suggests a winding, indirect path through an area.

enveloping

Implies completely surrounding or covering something.

FAQs

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

You can use "sweeping around" to describe a wide, encompassing movement or influence, as in "The spotlight was sweeping around the stadium" or "A new trend is sweeping around the industry".

What are some alternatives to "sweeping around"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "encircling", "extending around", or "moving swiftly about".

Is it correct to say "sweeping around" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "sweeping around" is generally correct and accepted. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. However, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider alternatives if they fit the context better.

What does "sweeping around" imply?

"Sweeping around" typically implies a broad, encompassing movement or influence. It can suggest a wide range or scope, covering a large area or affecting many elements.