sweeping reforms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping reforms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe significant and comprehensive changes or improvements in a particular system, policy, or organization. Example: "The government announced sweeping reforms aimed at improving the education system and addressing long-standing issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The exposure resulted in sweeping reforms statewide.

The New York Times

What is clear, though, is that sweeping reforms are needed.

The New York Times

By the late 18th century, ballet costume had undergone sweeping reforms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hours later, the government tried to placate the protesters with declarations of sweeping reforms.

The New York Times

After replacing García Granados in 1873, Barrios carried out sweeping reforms based on his liberal philosophies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sweeping reforms the prime minister promised in June proved, in the event, underwhelming.

The Economist

With the aid of his adviser Hannibal Sehested, Frederick introduced sweeping reforms of the state administration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

IT isn't news anymore when an Arab ruler facing mass protests pledges sweeping reforms.

The New York Times

Lawmakers, claiming to be scandalized by the failures in safety enforcement, vowed sweeping reforms.

The New York Times

Her stories brought about sweeping reforms in asylums, sweatshops, orphanages and prisons.

The Guardian - Travel

The controversy should have led to sweeping reforms, but it didn't.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sweeping reforms", ensure the context clearly indicates the area or system being reformed. Providing specific details about the changes strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping reforms" to describe minor or incremental changes. This phrase implies substantial and widespread alterations, so ensure the scale of the changes warrants such strong language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping reforms" functions as a noun phrase, where "sweeping" modifies "reforms". The adjective "sweeping" indicates the broad and comprehensive nature of the reforms. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sweeping reforms" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe significant and comprehensive changes. As indicated by Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, the phrase effectively conveys the scale and impact of the reforms being discussed. When employing this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the magnitude of the changes to avoid overstating their significance. Alternatives such as "far-reaching changes" or "comprehensive changes" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far-reaching changes

Emphasizes the extensive impact and broad scope of the changes.

comprehensive changes

Highlights the thorough and complete nature of the changes.

extensive modifications

Focuses on the wide-ranging alterations and adjustments made.

radical transformations

Stresses the fundamental and dramatic nature of the changes.

major overhauls

Implies a significant restructuring or renovation of a system or process.

fundamental shifts

Indicates a basic and profound change in direction or approach.

thorough revisions

Highlights a careful and detailed review and alteration process.

large-scale improvements

Directly points to significant enhancements across a broad area.

complete restructuring

Focuses on reorganizing the structure.

wholesale changes

Suggests changes affecting everything without exception.

FAQs

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

You can use "sweeping reforms" to describe extensive and comprehensive changes or improvements to a system, policy, or organization. For example, "The government announced "sweeping reforms" aimed at improving the education system."

What are some alternatives to "sweeping reforms"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "far-reaching changes", "comprehensive changes", or "radical transformations".

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

"Sweeping reforms" implies significant and extensive changes, while "minor adjustments" refers to small, incremental modifications. If the changes are substantial and widespread, ""sweeping reforms"" is more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use the term "sweeping reforms"?

Use "sweeping reforms" when describing changes that are broad in scope, affect many parts of a system, and are intended to produce significant and lasting improvements. Ensure the changes are truly substantial before using this term.