sweeping turn

USAGE SUMMARY

'sweeping turn' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a sudden or drastic change of direction, such as: "He made a sweeping turn around the corner and drove away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The most complex sculpture on the car's surface comes in the C-pillar hip area, where the sheet metal makes a dramatic, sweeping turn — the car's aria.

The New York Times

The Coca-Cola Track has a sweeping turn leading to a long straightway that propels the kart, at top speed, into a punishing series of very tight turns.

The New York Times

With "The Night Mirror" and "Tales Told of the Fathers" (1975) he took the grand, sweeping turn that led to his mature style as a prophetic, mythmaking poet in the High Romantic tradition.

The New York Times - Books

I took the first sweeping turn with tires screaming.

The New York Times - Travel

We made a sweeping turn over the Bosporus and flew northwest for about an hour.

The New Yorker

The repetitive movement is exhausting: a lift is executed once and then repeated; ditto for a sweeping turn.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It's a fast, undulating descent with sweeping turns.

Independent

He headed toward Shelter Island, making fast, sweeping turns.

The New Yorker

The ultrastiff suspension is unflappable in long, sweeping turns.

The New York Times

The SHO straight-shooter easily handled sweeping turns at speeds that the drivers of the normal Taurus would probably consider ill-advised if not reckless.

The New York Times

The Belmont Stakes is said to be a rider's race because its marathon distance and wide, sweeping turns usually demand a slower pace and clear-eyed tactics.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing motion or direction, use "sweeping turn" to convey a sense of grace and fluidity in the change of direction. It's particularly effective when applied to vehicles, dance, or landscape features.

Common error

Avoid using "sweeping turn" to describe minor or insignificant changes. The phrase implies a substantial and noticeable alteration, so reserve it for situations where the change is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweeping turn" primarily functions as a noun phrase describing a large, continuous change in direction. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid phrase. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing physical movements and course alterations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sweeping turn" is a grammatically correct and evocative way to describe a broad and fluid change in direction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's commonly used in journalistic and descriptive writing, particularly in the context of sports, travel, and automotive descriptions. While not exceedingly common, its descriptive power makes it a valuable addition to a writer's vocabulary. When using "sweeping turn", it's important to ensure that the context warrants a description of a grand or significant change, avoiding its use for minor alterations. Consider related phrases such as "wide arc" or "broad curve" to fine-tune the intended meaning. Ludwig's examples showcase its application in diverse scenarios, reinforcing its versatility in describing movement and spatial arrangements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rounding corner

A more common way of describing navigating a corner, focusing on the action of going around it.

broad curve

Similar to 'wide arc', it emphasizes the curved shape and spatial extent of the turn.

wide arc

This alternative uses a more geometric description, focusing on the shape of the turn rather than the action.

expansive curve

This highlights the large scale and reach of the curve.

smooth curve

Similar to 'gentle turn', this phrase focuses on the even and uninterrupted nature of the curve.

gentle turn

Emphasizes the smoothness and lack of sharpness in the directional change.

curving trajectory

Focuses on the path's curvature, typically used in describing movement through space.

gradual bend

This suggests a less abrupt change in direction, focusing on the gentleness of the turn.

long bend

This emphasizes the extended length and duration of the curve.

arching path

Describing the trajectory as an arch, highlighting the elevated or curved nature of the route.

FAQs

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

Use "sweeping turn" to describe a large, fluid change in direction, often in the context of driving, dancing, or landscapes. For example, "The car navigated the sweeping turn with ease."

What are some alternatives to using "sweeping turn" in my writing?

Consider using alternatives like "wide arc", "broad curve", or "gradual bend" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sweeping turn" in a formal or informal context?

The phrase "sweeping turn" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the subject matter than the setting.

What's the difference between "sweeping turn" and "sharp turn"?

"Sweeping turn" describes a gradual and wide change in direction, while "sharp turn" indicates an abrupt and angular change. The term "sharp turn" suggests a quick, often more dangerous maneuver.