swept out

USAGE SUMMARY

"swept out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of removing something or someone quickly and forcefully, or to describe a feeling of being overwhelmed or carried away. Example: "The strong winds swept out all of the leaves from the driveway." In this sentence, "swept out" is used to describe the action of the wind forcefully removing the leaves from the driveway. Example: "The emotion of sadness swept out of her as she watched the sunset." In this sentence, "swept out" is used to describe the feeling of sadness being overwhelming and taking over the person. It can also be used in a literal sense, as in the following example: "She swept out the crumbs from the kitchen floor." Here, "swept out" is used to describe the action of physically removing the crumbs from the floor using a broom.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Nicole disappeared, swept out to sea.

The New York Times

(You're the dust that gets swept out).

The New York Times - Magazine

She swept out redundant licenses and refocused the brand's image.

The New York Times

And then it swept out again, stranding everyone from investment-grade companies to emerging-market oligarchs.

The Economist

As for those swept out by the purge, Mr. Chávez has made few apologies.

The New York Times

Will you be swept out to sea or on to rocks?

The Guardian - Travel

Hundreds of people are missing and feared swept out to sea.

The New Yorker

With that he swept out and has never returned my calls.

Independent

Saturday night also saw protesters swept out of an Occupy encampment in Salt Lake City.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

For example, he is campaigning to sweep out corruption that, frankly, already has been swept out.

Los Angeles Times

My best guess is that more than half of them get swept-out next year.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "swept out" to describe physical removal, ensure the context clearly indicates the force or agent causing the removal. For example, "The tide swept out the debris."

Common error

Avoid using "swept out" when a more precise verb like "cleaned", "removed", or "evacuated" would better convey the specific action. "Swept out" implies a forceful and often comprehensive removal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swept out" is that of a phrasal verb. It typically describes an action where something is forcefully removed or displaced. Ludwig AI's analysis supports this, showcasing examples of physical displacement (e.g., "swept out to sea") and figurative removal (e.g., "swept out by the purge").

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swept out" is a phrasal verb generally used to convey a sense of forceful removal or displacement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, including both literal and figurative scenarios. Common usages include describing objects or people being physically removed by a force, or changes in power or organizational structures. While "swept out" is found in diverse sources, it appears most frequently in news and media. When using "swept out", writers should be mindful of the strong sense of force and comprehensiveness it conveys, ensuring that the context aligns with this meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cleared out

Focuses on complete removal from a space, differing in emphasizing emptiness.

evacuated

Specifically indicates removal of people from a dangerous area.

expelled

Implies forceful removal, often from an organization or place.

removed

A more general term for taking something or someone away.

driven away

Suggests being forced to leave by an external force.

carried away

Emphasizes being moved or influenced strongly, often emotionally.

wiped out

Indicates complete destruction or elimination.

erased

Focuses on the removal of traces or evidence.

purged

Implies a systematic and often forceful removal of unwanted elements.

displaced

Highlights being moved from a position or place, often involuntarily.

FAQs

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

You can use "swept out" to describe physical removal, as in "The floodwaters "swept out" the town". It can also describe more abstract removals, such as "The old regime was "swept out" of power".

What can I say instead of "swept out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "cleared out", "removed", or "evacuated".

Is it correct to say "swept out of"?

Yes, "swept out of" is a common and correct usage. For instance, "The crowd was "swept out" of the stadium after the concert".

What's the difference between "swept out" and "cleared out"?

"Swept out" implies a more forceful and rapid removal, while "cleared out" suggests a more deliberate and thorough emptying of a space.