swept down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swept down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has moved downward quickly or forcefully, often in a dramatic or sudden manner. Example: "The leaves were swept down by the strong autumn wind, creating a colorful carpet on the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Santa Ana winds swept down over the new developments, filling the air with dust.

The New Yorker

In January, blizzards swept down from the Arctic until the weather became too cold for snow.

The New Yorker

James swept down from New York prepared to cause a little trouble.

The New York Times

Lady Thatcher and Denis swept down like a barbarian horde in blue silk and worsted.

The Guardian

Then the patrol swept down a gully where a pilot said he saw more insurgents hiding.

The New York Times

Weeks after the bus massacre, gunmen swept down on a quarry near Mandera, shooting dead 36 miners as they slept.

Independent

A catbird perched on the branch of a nearby tree saw the activity and swept down to investigate.

The New Yorker

He wrote: "The splendid lines of the veterans of the Army of Northern Virginia swept down upon us.

The New York Times

On 31 October, wave upon wave of British and French bombers swept down upon the Egyptian coast.

The Guardian

The rain a metre's worth on one night alone fell on saturated mountains, long since denuded of their forest cover, and swept down on to the coastal plain.

The Economist

There he came into direct conflict with the Turkic conqueror Maḥmūd of Ghazna when the latter swept down from Afghanistan in a series of raids.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swept down" to vividly describe rapid and often forceful movements from a higher to a lower position. It's effective for natural phenomena like winds or avalanches, as well as actions involving armies or groups of people.

Common error

Avoid using "swept down" to describe objects that are already at a low position or are inherently stationary. The phrase implies a dynamic movement from above, and misusing it can create a confusing or nonsensical image.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "swept down" functions primarily as a dynamic descriptor, indicating a rapid and often forceful movement from a higher position to a lower one. This action can apply to various subjects, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples, including natural phenomena, armies, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "swept down" vividly describes a rapid descent, often connoting force or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its wide usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, focus on dynamic subjects and avoid applying the phrase to static scenarios. Alternatives like "descended rapidly" or "rushed down" can provide similar meanings with slight nuance shifts. The phrase maintains a generally neutral register, suitable for diverse writing styles, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descended rapidly

Focuses on the act of moving downwards quickly, emphasizing the speed of descent.

descended swiftly

Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of the downward movement.

plummeted downwards

Emphasizes a sudden and steep fall, implying a loss of control.

moved swiftly down

Highlights smooth movement with speed downwards.

rushed down

Highlights the speed and urgency of the downward movement.

swooped down

Implies a graceful and predatory downward motion, often used for birds.

poured down

Describes a fluid or overwhelming descent, often used for rain or crowds.

spiraled down

Suggests a rotational or circular downward movement.

came crashing down

Suggests a violent and destructive descent, often implying impact.

swept along

Highlights being carried by a current or force downwards

FAQs

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

You can use "swept down" to describe something moving rapidly from a higher position to a lower one. For example: "The avalanche "swept down" the mountain, burying everything in its path."

What are some alternatives to "swept down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "descended rapidly", "rushed down", or "swooped down".

Is "swept down" formal or informal?

"Swept down" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. It is often found in news reports, historical accounts, and descriptive narratives.

What's the difference between "swept down" and "blown down"?

"Swept down" implies a more general or forceful movement downwards, not necessarily caused by wind. "Blown down", on the other hand, specifically refers to something being moved by the force of the wind. Therefore the two phrases are interchangeable only when the acting force is wind, otherwise stick to "swept down".