swept across

USAGE SUMMARY

"swept across" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it as a verb phrase when you are referring to a large or rapid movement of something that has covered or filled something. For example: The wave of emotions swept across the room, bringing everyone to tears.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Disappointment swept across the table.

The New York Times - Travel

Revolutions swept across Europe.

The Guardian - Books

A blush swept across her face.

The New York Times

The rally swept across the stock market.

The New York Times

A tremulousness swept across the landscape.

The New Yorker

The losses swept across the market.

The New York Times

Dust storms swept across the desiccated soil.

The New Yorker

Drought swept across the heartland.

The New York Times

Responding to Syrian shelling, Israeli tanks swept across the Golan.

The New York Times

Upon seeing him, a different noise swept across the audience.

The Guardian - Sport

Seventeen tornadoes swept across Kansas on that evening last month.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swept across" to describe events that unfolded rapidly and affected a broad area, such as "The news swept across the nation."

Common error

Avoid using "swept across" to describe something that is inherently static or unchanging. It is more appropriate for dynamic events, not permanent features.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swept across" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the main verb in a sentence. Ludwig examples show its use to describe the rapid and extensive movement of something, whether physical or abstract.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "swept across" is a very common and versatile verb phrase used to describe the rapid and widespread movement or influence of something. It's considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. Ludwig examples confirm its use in emphasizing the scale and impact of events. Remember to use it when you want to convey a sense of dynamism and broad effect, and avoid using it in static contexts. The phrase is found most frequently in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread through

Focuses on the dissemination or permeation of something through a particular area or group.

moved swiftly over

Emphasizes the rapid pace of movement across a surface or area.

raced across

Highlights the speed and urgency of the movement.

passed rapidly over

Indicates a quick and transient movement across something.

flowed over

Suggests a smooth and continuous movement, like a liquid.

overwhelmed

Implies a forceful and overpowering movement that covers everything.

washed over

Conveys a sense of being covered or enveloped, often with a strong emotional impact.

rolled through

Indicates a continuous, turning movement through an area.

extended over

Focuses on the reach or scope of something covering an area.

traversed

Suggests a journey or passage across a particular area.

FAQs

How is "swept across" typically used in a sentence?

"Swept across" is generally used to describe rapid or widespread movement, influence, or effect. For example, "A wave of innovation "spread through" the company."

What phrases are similar to "swept across"?

Similar phrases include "moved swiftly over", "raced across", or "flowed over", each suggesting a different nuance of rapid movement or impact.

When is it appropriate to use "swept across" instead of a simpler term like 'crossed'?

"Swept across" is more suitable when emphasizing the speed, scale, and impact of the movement. 'Crossed' is a simpler, more neutral term for physical movement, whereas "swept across" implies a more significant or widespread effect.

Can "swept across" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "swept across" is often used metaphorically to describe the rapid spread of ideas, emotions, or trends. For example, "A feeling of relief "washed over" her."