sweeping scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to a large, comprehensive scope of something. For example: "The new legislation was carried out on a sweeping scale, significantly impacting economic and social life.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The sweeping scale of this ambition is barely remarked on in the reporting of politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

As ever with plans of such sweeping scale, the devil is in the detail.

The Guardian

President Obama acknowledged the sweeping scale of the reforms enacted by Thein Sein.

Independent

In the technocratic nomenclature of the IMF, this would be called a "structural adjustment programme", but that doesn't really capture the sweeping scale of the transformation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Faced with the sweeping scale of the terrain and the problem, Brazilian officials are well aware that an effort as modest as theirs cannot eliminate such traffic.

The New York Times

It prefigures the big themes and sweeping scale of "Benjamin Button" and may come to seem a turning point in Mr. Fincher's career: the moment that this ingenious manipulator of screen space turned himself to the challenges of time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The affiliation of the new members and supporters is fleeting and fluid – but can be sweeping in scale as we have seen.

The Guardian

Sweeping in scale but microscopic in its portrait of dislocated lives, this début novel finds its most compelling voice in the rueful meditations of a blundering, morphine-addicted American doctor, marooned by his own volition at the edge of the world.

The New Yorker

Armed with three different types of lights and a Sony a7S camera in Nauticam housing, known for its great low-light filming capabilities, Pedersen films the cave in sweeping cinematic scale.

Vice

Using the possibilities of the large screen, the director orchestrates an enthralling, sweeping, large-scale drama.

The Guardian - Film

If you like melodic death metal, you'll have to learn the min-pentatonic scale, guitar harmonies, diminished scale, harmonic minor scale sweeping, tapping, and some hard rock/melodic British heavy metal.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweeping scale" to emphasize the extensive impact or reach of a project, reform, or event. For example, 'The reforms were implemented on a "sweeping scale", affecting all sectors of the economy.'

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping scale" when a more precise term is appropriate. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound less specific. Consider alternatives like 'widespread', 'extensive', or 'comprehensive' depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping scale" typically functions as an adjective modifying a noun, describing the extent or magnitude of something. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this usage. For instance, Ludwig's examples show it describing the magnitude of reforms, ambitions, or problems.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweeping scale" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe something with a wide-ranging impact or extensive scope. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is used across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, formal business settings, and science. The phrase is considered neutral in register, lending itself to both formal and informal writing, though it’s most impactful when describing significant changes or widespread effects. When using the phrase, remember to focus on the comprehensive nature of the action or event you're describing. Be aware of alternative expressions like "broad scope" or "extensive reach" to avoid repetition and ensure the most precise fit for your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grand scale

Emphasizes the impressiveness and size.

broad scope

Replaces 'sweeping' with 'broad', focusing on the extent of coverage.

wide extent

Substitutes 'sweeping' with 'wide' and 'scale' with 'extent', emphasizing the range.

comprehensive scope

Highlights the completeness of the coverage.

extensive reach

Changes both words to highlight the area or people affected.

far-reaching impact

Emphasizes the wide-ranging effects.

large magnitude

Focuses on the size and importance of something.

considerable dimension

Replaces 'sweeping' with 'considerable' and 'scale' with 'dimension', emphasizing the size or scope.

significant proportions

Highlights the importance and relative size.

massive dimensions

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical size.

FAQs

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

The phrase "sweeping scale" is used to describe something that is very extensive or wide-ranging. For example, you might say, "The government implemented changes on a "sweeping scale", affecting every aspect of public life."

What are some alternatives to "sweeping scale"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "broad scope", "wide extent", or "extensive reach". These phrases all suggest a large or comprehensive impact.

Is "sweeping scale" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "sweeping scale" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly found in news and media or business settings.

What's the difference between "sweeping scale" and "large scale"?

"Large scale" simply indicates something is big, while "sweeping scale" emphasizes that something is comprehensive and affects many things. A project might be done on a "large scale", but if it has a "sweeping scale", it has a very broad impact.