sweeping sanctions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping sanctions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe broad and comprehensive measures taken against a country, organization, or individual, often in the context of political or economic actions. Example: "The government announced sweeping sanctions against the nation in response to its aggressive actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

More than a year ago, President Obama signed into law a series of sweeping sanctions cumulatively aimed at throttling Iran's energy sector.

The New York Times

David Cameron had said that if President Putin failed to adjust his stance "radically," there could be sweeping sanctions imposed on Russia and its business operations abroad.

Independent

Passage of the legislation reduces the likelihood that a multibillion-dollar tax dispute between the United States and Europe will result in sweeping sanctions anytime soon.

The New York Times

The Security Council imposed sweeping sanctions against the country that would remain in effect until Iraq had fully disarmed, as verified by inspectors.

The New York Times

The league increased pressure on Syria on Nov. 27, when it imposed sweeping sanctions that included banning senior Syrian officials from traveling to other Arab countries, freezing Syrian assets in Arab countries and halting financial operations with major Syrian banks, including the central bank.

The New York Times

The union imposed sweeping sanctions against swaths of the Russian economy in July 2014 in response to Russia's arming of the rebels in eastern Ukraine and failure to cooperate in the investigation over the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines jet MH17, which killed 298 people.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Other officials noted that with sweeping oil sanctions still in place, Iran would lose $30 billion in oil revenues during the six months of the deal.

The New York Times

Trump's new Iran policy includes sweeping new sanctions on the Revolutionary Guard Corps and its élite Quds Force, as well as all its agents and affiliates.

The New Yorker

The research was released at an international wildlife summit in Bangkok where the eight key ivory-trading nations, including the host nation Thailand and biggest market China, have been put on notice of sweeping trade sanctions if they fail to crack down on the trade.

The Guardian

Sweeping energy sanctions would hit Russia the hardest but due to the EU's dependence on Russian gas – in some countries as much as 100% of gas imports are Russian – this option is politically unlikely and could prove prohibitively expensive for the EU.

The Guardian

Unless Pyongyang allows in-depth inspections of its nuclear facilities, the U.S. should: • Seek from the U.N. sweeping economic sanctions.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sweeping sanctions", ensure the context clearly indicates the target and scope of the sanctions to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about what sectors or activities are affected.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the actual effects of "sweeping sanctions". While they are intended to be significant, their real-world impact can vary, and overstating this can undermine credibility. Instead of saying that "sweeping sanctions" will definitively cripple an economy, for example, describe potential or likely impacts, considering mitigating factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping sanctions" functions as a noun phrase, where "sweeping" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "sanctions". It describes the nature and scope of the sanctions being imposed. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage in describing broad and comprehensive measures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sweeping sanctions" is a commonly used term to describe broad and comprehensive punitive measures, typically economic or political, imposed on a country, organization, or individual. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in news and media contexts, as well as in formal and business communications. Alternatives such as "broad sanctions" or "comprehensive sanctions" can be used to convey similar meanings, while it's important to avoid overstating the actual impact of these sanctions to maintain credibility. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines the target and scope of the sanctions. The phrase is often used to communicate the severity and wide-ranging nature of the penalties being applied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad sanctions

Emphasizes the extensive scope and coverage of the sanctions.

comprehensive sanctions

Highlights the thorough and all-inclusive nature of the sanctions.

extensive sanctions

Focuses on the wide-ranging impact and effects of the sanctions.

far-reaching sanctions

Indicates that the sanctions have significant and widespread consequences.

severe sanctions

Stresses the harshness and stringency of the sanctions.

strict sanctions

Emphasizes the rigid and uncompromising application of the sanctions.

punitive measures

Focuses on the disciplinary aspect of the sanctions, aiming to penalize the target.

economic blockade

Implies a complete or near-complete halt to economic activity with the targeted entity.

crippling sanctions

Highlights the severely damaging impact of the sanctions on the target's economy or operations.

full sanctions

Indicates that all possible sanction measures are in place.

FAQs

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

You can use "sweeping sanctions" to describe extensive penalties imposed on a country or organization, such as, "The UN imposed "sweeping sanctions" against the country for its nuclear program".

What are some alternatives to "sweeping sanctions"?

Alternatives include "broad sanctions", "comprehensive sanctions", or "extensive sanctions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "sweeping sanctions" and "economic sanctions"?

"Economic sanctions" is a broader term referring to any economic penalties, while "sweeping sanctions" implies that these penalties are particularly "extensive" and far-reaching.

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

Use "sweeping sanctions" when the sanctions involve a wide range of restrictions affecting multiple sectors or aspects of the targeted entity's activities.