swept by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swept by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of being overcome by an emotion or situation. For example, "As she watched the sun set, a wave of nostalgia swept by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As the car collecting field matures, it is periodically swept by changes reflecting its ongoing development.

The New York Times

Eric just swept by.

Independent

The Benefactor's car swept by.

The Guardian - Books

Detroit, however, was swept by the New Jersey Devils.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Volcanic rockpools swept by raging surf.

The Guardian - Travel

They were swept by San Antonio.

The New York Times - Sports

We got swept by the Braves.

The New York Times - Sports

They then got swept by Atlanta.

The Guardian - Sport

The Nets were swept by the Lakers.

The New York Times - Sports

The Cavaliers were swept by the Spurs in the Finals.

The New York Times - Sports

In winter the islands are swept by severe winds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swept by" to convey a sense of being powerfully moved or affected by an external force or influence, whether literal (e.g., wind, waves) or figurative (e.g., emotions, trends).

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "swept by." Ensure the subject experiencing the action is clear and the sentence doesn't become unnecessarily wordy or vague. For instance, instead of "The decision was swept by emotion," consider "Emotions swept the decision."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swept by" functions as a phrasal verb in the passive voice. It describes a state of being acted upon or influenced by an external force or agent. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "swept by" is a versatile phrasal verb that vividly depicts the experience of being strongly influenced or overcome by an external force. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, from News & Media to Encyclopedias and Science. While ""overwhelmed by"", "inundated with", and "affected by" offer similar meanings, the specific nuance of being "swept by" captures a sense of momentum and force. Remember to use it actively and clearly, ensuring the subject is easily identifiable. Its high frequency and broad applicability make "swept by" a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelmed by

Emphasizes the feeling of being completely overcome by something, often emotions or events.

inundated with

Suggests being flooded or overwhelmed with a large quantity of something.

consumed by

Implies a complete absorption or domination by something, often an emotion or idea.

affected by

Indicates being influenced or impacted by something.

impacted by

Similar to affected by, but often implies a more significant or forceful influence.

influenced by

Highlights the role of something shaping or guiding one's thoughts or actions.

subject to

Indicates being exposed to or likely to experience something.

governed by

Suggests being controlled or ruled by something.

ruled by

Similar to governed by, but can imply a more absolute or oppressive control.

dominated by

Emphasizes the power or prevalence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "swept by" in a sentence?

You can use "swept by" to describe something being powerfully moved, influenced, or overcome. For example, "The coast was "lashed by" the storm" or "The nation was "overwhelmed by" grief."

What are some alternatives to "swept by"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like ""overwhelmed by"", "inundated with", or "affected by".

Is it better to use "swept by" or "swept away by"?

While both phrases convey a sense of being moved or overcome, "swept away by" often implies a more complete or forceful removal or distraction, whereas "swept by" can simply mean being influenced or affected.

What does it mean to be "swept by a wave of emotion"?

To be "swept by a wave of emotion" means to experience a sudden, powerful feeling that overwhelms you. It suggests a lack of control over your emotional state at that moment.