sweeping powers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping powers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe extensive or far-reaching authority or control, often in a legal or political context. Example: "The new legislation grants the government sweeping powers to address the ongoing crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Morsi then seized sweeping powers.

The New York Times

It gives the army sweeping powers, including that of investigation, search, arrest and detention.

The Economist

A new constitution in 1933 gave sweeping powers to the president.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The school governance law granting the mayor sweeping powers is about to expire.

The Economist

It gives civilian and military authorities sweeping powers to arrest, suppress and snoop on citizens.

The Economist

The terms of the bailout give sweeping powers to the Fed.

The Guardian - Business

In Syria, emergency laws giving the police sweeping powers have been in effect since 1963.

The New York Times

It has also backed off other demands for sweeping powers to continue military operations there indefinitely.

The New York Times

On Wednesday, he enacted 29 constitutional amendments that grant him sweeping powers for five years.

The New York Times

The Constitution gives the president sweeping powers to dissolve Parliament and appoint cabinet ministers.

The New York Times

One gave the president, rather than the legislature, sweeping powers to appoint judges and prosecutors, pending their popular election.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweeping powers" when you want to emphasize that the authority granted is extensive, covers many areas, and has significant impact. This phrase is particularly effective in legal or political contexts where the scope of authority is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping powers" when the authority is limited or specific. Using this phrase inappropriately can exaggerate the actual power and mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sweeping powers" is to act as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig's examples show it frequently describes the extent of authority granted to individuals, organizations, or governments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sweeping powers" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe extensive authority or control, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for discussions concerning legal, political, or administrative matters. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects the breadth and impact of the authority being described to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad powers

Emphasizes the wide range of capabilities or control.

extensive authority

Focuses on the breadth and reach of the authority.

comprehensive powers

Highlights the thorough and inclusive nature of the powers.

far-reaching authority

Highlights the extensive impact and influence of the authority.

full authority

Indicates a complete grant of power.

unlimited authority

Suggests there are no constraints on the authority.

absolute powers

Implies complete and unrestricted control.

drastic powers

Emphasizes the severity and impact of the powers.

radical powers

Suggests a fundamental and transformative level of authority.

carte blanche

Indicates unrestricted power to act at one's own discretion.

FAQs

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

You can use "sweeping powers" to describe the extensive authority someone or something possesses, such as, "The new law gives the police "sweeping powers" to combat terrorism."

What are some alternatives to "sweeping powers"?

Alternatives include "extensive authority", "broad powers", or "far-reaching authority". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "sweeping powers" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing legal, political, or administrative matters where the extent of authority is significant. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of various sources.

What is the difference between "sweeping powers" and "wide powers"?

While both phrases suggest a significant degree of authority, "sweeping powers" often implies a more comprehensive and far-reaching scope than "wide powers". "Sweeping" suggests a more thorough and all-encompassing nature of the authority.