sweeping subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweeping subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic that is broad, comprehensive, or all-encompassing in nature. Example: "The sweeping subject of climate change encompasses various aspects, including environmental, economic, and social factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Error, though, is a sweeping subject, and a rigorous wrongology may be too much to ask of anyone.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Under a 2005 State Council regulation, personal blogs, computer bulletin boards and even cellphone text messages are deemed part of the news media, subject to sweeping restrictions on their content.

The New York Times

Another submission from a former security guard claimed that the Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young was the subject of sweeping surveillance to monitor her movements on the island.

The Guardian

Major versions of the legislation all rely heavily on a continuation of private health plans, offered by employers and by insurance companies, subject to sweeping new federal regulations.

The New York Times - Health

This is a city that seems to have returned to the river, returned to history and returned to art, the latter not as the subject of sweeping panoramas, but as a community for artists.

The New York Times

But many files remain closed indefinitely, subject to an extraordinary, sweeping escape clause.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the past four months, Turkey's leader has subjected his country to sweeping political purges – but there are few signs of an end soon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our search identified one Cochrane systematic review of 22 trials which included 2797 subjects that compared membrane sweeping with oxytocin, PGE2, or no treatment [ 33].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The SiN x samples were capped with aluminum and subjected to capacitance voltage measurements, sweeping over large negative and positive ranges to observe trapped charge dependent flat band voltage shifts.

ACS Nano

I cannot think of a book which has had such a resounding impact on its subject matter as Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, with its sweeping indictment of pesticides.

Forbes

Within-subject evaluations were performed for walking, sweeping, and standing.

Europace

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sweeping subject", ensure that the subsequent discussion provides sufficient breadth and depth to justify the adjective. Avoid using it for narrowly defined topics.

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping subject" when the topic is actually quite limited or specific. Overusing the term can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping subject" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "sweeping" modifies the noun "subject". It describes the scope or breadth of a topic, indicating that it is extensive and comprehensive. As Ludwig mentions, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to describe a broad, comprehensive, or all-encompassing topic.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweeping subject" is a grammatically sound phrase used to characterize a topic of considerable breadth and scope. While Ludwig notes its correctness, it's relatively rare in occurrence. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly News & Media and Scientific domains. When employing "sweeping subject", aim to substantiate this claim by providing sufficient depth in your analysis, and avoid applying the term to narrowly defined subjects to prevent overstating the scope. Alternative phrases such as "broad topic" or "comprehensive theme" can be used to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broad topic

Emphasizes the extensive scope of the subject.

comprehensive theme

Highlights the inclusive nature and central idea of the subject.

wide-ranging issue

Focuses on the extensive impact and implications of the subject.

extensive matter

Stresses the significant depth and scale of the subject.

all-encompassing area

Indicates that the subject covers everything within a particular domain.

inclusive concept

Highlights that the subject brings together many elements.

overarching theme

Suggests the subject is a dominant and unifying idea.

general area of inquiry

Focuses on the subject as a broad field for investigation.

global subject matter

Highlights the worldwide relevance of the subject.

far-reaching topic

Emphasizes that the subject has a wide-ranging influence or effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "sweeping subject" to describe a topic that encompasses a wide range of ideas or aspects. For instance, "The "sweeping subject" of climate change includes environmental, economic, and social factors".

What's the difference between "sweeping subject" and "broad topic"?

"Sweeping subject" and "broad topic" are similar, but "sweeping subject" often implies a more significant and encompassing scope. "Broad topic" is a more general term for a subject covering many areas.

Are there any synonyms for "sweeping subject"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "comprehensive theme", "wide-ranging issue", or "all-encompassing area" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "sweeping subject" in academic writing?

It's appropriate when you are introducing a topic that requires a holistic or interdisciplinary approach. Be sure to substantiate your claim by demonstrating the extensive nature of the topic in your analysis. Avoid making "sweeping generalizations".