swept away

USAGE SUMMARY

"swept away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something was taken away suddenly by a strong force, such as a wave, wind, or other natural element. Example: The powerful hurricane swept away the small cabin along with its occupants.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Him being swept away.

The New Yorker

— And... "Swept Away".

The New Yorker

be swept away?

The New York Times - Arts

She just got swept away".

Independent

"It was entirely swept away.

The New York Times

We can be swept away.

Independent

I was just swept away.

The New York Times

She is not swept away.

The New York Times - Magazine

will be swept away.

The New York Times - Books

She's swept away.

The New York Times

All were swept away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize emotional impact, use "swept away" to express being overwhelmed by feelings or experiences. For example, "She was swept away by the beauty of the music."

Common error

Avoid using "swept away" too frequently in figurative contexts to prevent diluting its impact. Opt for more specific verbs that better capture the nuance of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swept away" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of something being forcibly removed or transported by a powerful force, or figuratively, being overcome by emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "swept away" is a versatile expression used to describe both physical displacement and emotional states. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. Primarily found in News & Media, it effectively conveys a sense of sudden, forceful removal or being overwhelmed. When using "swept away", consider the context to ensure its appropriate use, whether describing the destructive force of nature or the captivating power of emotions. While versatile, avoid overuse to preserve its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carried off

Focuses on the physical action of being transported against one's will.

carried away

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of being overwhelmed or overly excited.

washed away

Specifically relates to being displaced by water.

obliterated

Highlights complete destruction or removal.

vanished

Suggests a sudden and mysterious disappearance.

spirited away

Implies being taken away magically or mysteriously.

taken by storm

Indicates being overwhelmingly impressed or captivated.

eradicated

Focuses on the complete removal or destruction of something, often systematically.

lost at sea

Emphasizes the disappearance and potential death associated with being lost in the ocean.

engulfed

Suggests being completely surrounded or overwhelmed, often by a negative force.

FAQs

How can I use "swept away" in a sentence describing a natural disaster?

You can use "swept away" to describe the devastating impact of a natural disaster, such as: "The tsunami /s/swept+away entire coastal villages".

What are some alternative phrases for "swept away" when describing emotions?

When describing emotions, you can use alternatives like "overwhelmed", "captivated", or "enthralled" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "swept away" in formal writing?

Yes, "swept away" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing events or situations where something is suddenly and forcefully removed or affected. However, consider the specific context to ensure it fits the tone.

What is the difference between "swept away" and "carried away"?

"Swept away" often implies a physical force or disaster causing displacement, while "carried away" usually refers to being overcome by emotions or excitement.