sweeping strings

USAGE SUMMARY

"sweeping strings" is a correct and common phrase used in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like: He bent down and played the sweeping strings of his acoustic guitar.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

CUE sweeping strings.

The Economist

He kept writing them and putting them aside - songs that seemed to call for female voices and sweeping strings.

The Guardian - Music

It's full of sweeping strings, impassioned speeches and the sight of a wronged and noble hero fighting the forces of institutionalised bigotry.

The Guardian - Film

We're given a heavy dose of Gangsta Nancy Sinatra on songs which wed trip-hop beats, sweeping strings and near-raps.

The Economist

"Mind Games," in 1973, "wafted across radio with sweeping strings doubling guitar lines, surrounding Lennon's voice like a cloud moving across a great horizon of feeling".

The New York Times - Books

The first was the Love Duet from The Play of Krishna in which two Hindu deities, Krishna and Rhadha, repeatedly sing each other's names over and over against a background of shimmering and sweeping strings.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Mr. Kim's was an effective curtain raiser, characterized by brass eruptions and sweeping string lines in dense clustered pitches, with slides prominently featured in both string and brass writing.

The New York Times - Arts

More indirect instruction arrives from Wagner (the Act II duet, the English horn signifying love and death) and Brahms (the sweeping strings-plus-horns sonorities).

The New York Times - Arts

"One of the knee-jerk settings in collaborations like this is to have the orchestra do the big soupy chords, the sweeping string section," he says.

The Guardian - Music

It opens impressively, with a big drum-roll heralding the sweeping string intro of "Get Us Home", a song about wanting to return to the cradle to escape life's cruel tricks.

Independent

Recorded in concert in 1998, the symphony opens grippingly, as Mr. Harnoncourt and the orchestra plunge into a first movement flush with sweeping string and brass figures and limpid woodwind accents.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweeping strings" when describing a musical arrangement that evokes a sense of grandeur, emotion, or cinematic quality. It's particularly effective for describing film scores or orchestral music.

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping strings" to describe music that is minimalist, electronic, or otherwise lacking in a traditional orchestral arrangement. Using it out of context can sound cliché or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping strings" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun (often 'music' or 'score') to provide detail about its sound. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalent use in describing musical arrangements within various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sweeping strings" is a common and grammatically correct descriptive term, frequently used to describe musical compositions, particularly film scores and orchestral arrangements. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence in describing music that evokes grandeur, emotion, or a cinematic feel. While generally neutral in register, it's best used when referring to music that features a traditional orchestral arrangement. Alternatives include "lush strings", "soaring strings", and "dramatic strings", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lush strings

Focuses on the richness and fullness of the string section.

soaring strings

Highlights the ascending and powerful nature of the strings.

dramatic strings

Emphasizes the emotional impact and intensity of the strings.

cinematic strings

Connects the string arrangement to the feeling of a film score.

orchestral strings

Highlights the orchestral arrangement of the strings.

romantic strings

Emphasizes the romantic and passionate quality of the strings.

grand strings

Focuses on the scale and impressiveness of the string section.

majestic strings

Highlights the strings' regal and dignified sound.

expansive strings

Emphasizes the broad and wide-ranging sound of the string arrangement.

opulent strings

Focuses on the luxurious and extravagant sound of the strings.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sweeping strings" in a sentence?

Use "sweeping strings" to vividly describe music, especially film scores or orchestral pieces, that feature a grand, emotional, or cinematic quality. For instance, "The scene was underscored by "sweeping strings", heightening the emotional impact."

What are some alternatives to "sweeping strings"?

Depending on the context, you could use "lush strings", "soaring strings", or "dramatic strings" to describe similar musical qualities.

Is it appropriate to use "sweeping strings" to describe electronic music?

Generally, no. "Sweeping strings" implies a traditional orchestral arrangement. It would be more accurate to use terms like "synth pads" or "dramatic synth chords" for electronic music.

What makes "sweeping strings" a cliché?

Overuse in film and media can make "sweeping strings" sound generic if not employed thoughtfully. Consider the specific qualities of the music you're describing and choose more precise language if appropriate.