swept over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swept over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden or overwhelming feeling or event that affects someone or something. Example: "A wave of nostalgia swept over her as she walked through her childhood neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Relief swept over me.

The New York Times - Books

Incredulity, sorrow, and humiliation swept over her.

The New Yorker

Waves of nostalgia swept over me.

The New York Times

"Am I?" A chill swept over me.

The New York Times

A wave of relief swept over us.

The New Yorker

A calmness swept over Bayley.

The Guardian - Sport

Heat swept over me, then chill.

The New Yorker

Clouds of confetti swept over the stands.

The Guardian - Sport

Memories swept over me in dreamlike clusters.

The New York Times

A wave of murmuring swept over the room.

The New Yorker

They were surprised as waves of relief swept over them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "swept over", consider the subject. This indicates what is causing that emotion or what is causing the sudden and massive change.

Common error

Avoid using "swept over" in excessively passive constructions that weaken the sentence. Instead of "He was swept over by sadness", opt for the more direct "Sadness swept over him" to maintain a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swept over" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe how a feeling, emotion, or force suddenly and powerfully affects someone or something. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing the onset of feelings like relief, nostalgia, or chill.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "swept over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to depict a sudden and intense impact, typically of an emotion or event. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, though it appears most commonly in news and media. When employing "swept over", ensure the sentence structure emphasizes the force and immediacy of the experience, avoiding passive constructions that dilute its effect. Consider related alternatives like "washed over" or "overwhelmed" for nuanced expression. By following these guidelines, you can effectively harness the evocative power of "swept over" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

washed over

This alternative conveys a similar sense of being overwhelmed by a feeling or force, emphasizing the immersive aspect.

overwhelmed

This single-word alternative directly describes the state of being overcome by something, simplifying the expression.

engulfed

This emphasizes a complete and often sudden envelopment, suggesting a stronger and more encompassing effect.

consumed

This suggests a gradual but complete absorption, indicating that something is entirely taken over.

flooded

This implies a sudden and abundant influx, often used to describe emotions or information.

poured over

This suggests a generous and overwhelming distribution of feelings or sensations.

rolled over

This emphasizes the idea of a wave-like motion, similar to the original phrase but with a different visual.

passed over

This refers to the transition or movement of something across a space or object.

overtook

This highlights the sudden overtaking or surpassing of something, often used in a competitive context.

surged through

This emphasizes the powerful and energetic movement of something throughout a space or being.

FAQs

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

Use "swept over" to describe a sudden or overwhelming feeling or event. For example, "A wave of nostalgia "swept over" me as I revisited my childhood home".

What are some alternatives to "swept over"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "washed over", "overwhelmed", or "engulfed" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "I was swept over by emotion"?

While grammatically correct, it's often more impactful to say "Emotion "swept over" me". This active construction places the emphasis on the emotion itself.

What's the difference between "swept over" and "washed over"?

Both phrases are similar, but ""swept over"" often implies a greater suddenness and force, while ""washed over"" suggests a more gentle, pervasive feeling.