sweeping changes

USAGE SUMMARY

"sweeping changes" is a correct phrase in written English.
You could use it describe a large or sudden change in a system, policy, or situation. For example, "The company's new CEO implemented sweeping changes to the organization's operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Mr Obama would veto such sweeping changes.

The Economist

Critics say the divisions remain too great for sweeping changes.

The New York Times

He had overseen sweeping changes to this once sleepy town.

The New York Times

Sweeping changes came with the Protestant Reformation (1529 30).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Calls for sweeping changes to the system have followed.

The Economist

The health care economy has undergone sweeping changes since then.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Albany needs sweeping change.

The New York Times

Hence the demands for sweeping change.

The Economist

Sweeping change is in the air.

The Economist

The report called for sweeping change.

The New York Times

Far less obvious, though, is the need for sweeping change.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "sweeping changes", clearly specify the area or system being affected to avoid ambiguity. For example, "sweeping changes in healthcare" or "sweeping changes to the company's policies".

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping changes" when the actual changes are minor or incremental. Reserve this phrase for truly significant and comprehensive alterations to prevent exaggerating the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping changes" functions as a noun phrase, where "sweeping" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "changes". It describes the nature and extent of the changes, indicating that they are broad, comprehensive, and significant. Examples from Ludwig AI show its use in various contexts, like policy changes or organizational reforms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweeping changes" is a commonly used phrase to describe major transformations or reforms. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in diverse contexts, particularly news and media. It's important to use this phrase when the changes are genuinely significant and broad in scope, rather than for minor adjustments. Alternatives such as "comprehensive reforms" or "radical transformations" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "sweeping changes", clarity is key; specifying the affected area ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive reforms

Emphasizes the thorough and all-encompassing nature of the changes.

radical transformations

Highlights the fundamental and dramatic nature of the changes.

extensive overhauls

Focuses on the scale and breadth of the changes, suggesting a complete renovation.

far-reaching modifications

Stresses the wide impact and influence of the changes.

major adjustments

Suggests significant but potentially less disruptive changes.

substantial revisions

Implies a careful review and significant alteration of existing systems.

complete turnarounds

Highlights a reversal of direction or a significant improvement after a decline.

wholesale restructuring

Indicates a complete reorganization of a system or entity.

systemic shifts

Focuses on changes that affect the entire system, rather than individual components.

transformative initiatives

Emphasizes the intention and potential of the changes to bring about significant improvements.

FAQs

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

You can use "sweeping changes" to describe major transformations. For example, "The new management team implemented "sweeping changes" to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "sweeping changes"?

Alternatives include "comprehensive reforms", "radical transformations", or "extensive overhauls", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "sweeping changes" in formal writing?

Yes, "sweeping changes" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant policy or organizational shifts. However, ensure the changes genuinely warrant such a strong descriptor.

What is the difference between "sweeping changes" and "minor adjustments"?

"Sweeping changes" implies large-scale, comprehensive alterations, while "minor adjustments" suggests smaller, incremental modifications. The choice depends on the magnitude of the changes being described.