swept through

USAGE SUMMARY

"swept through" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe a sudden or powerful occurrence of something emotional or physical. For example: "A wave of relief swept through the crowd as their team won the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Horror swept through Jewel.

The New Yorker

Fire swept through it.

The New York Times

Next, I was swept through with irritation.

The New Yorker

The commedia dell'arte swept through Europe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A frisson swept through the crowd.

The New Yorker

Other employees swept through the lower floors.

The New York Times

A collective "ooh" swept through the ballroom.

The New York Times - Sports

A surprised murmur swept through the room.

The New York Times

Relief swept through the operation room.

The Guardian

A buzz swept through the crowd.

The New York Times - Sports

Williams swept through the finish to take the point.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swept through" to describe a fast and pervasive movement or influence, whether it's a physical force like a storm or an abstract concept like an emotion or trend.

Common error

Avoid using "swept through" to describe stationary or unchanging conditions. This phrase implies a dynamic movement or progression, not a state of being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swept through" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a rapid and pervasive movement or influence. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, showcasing its ability to describe both physical phenomena and emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swept through" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe rapid and extensive movement or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and showcases its frequent use in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, its effectiveness lies in conveying a sense of swift, pervasive action, whether physical or emotional. Remember to avoid using it in static contexts and consider alternatives like "spread rapidly" or "moved swiftly" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spread rapidly

Focuses on the speed and extent of dissemination, often used for ideas or information.

moved swiftly

Emphasizes the quick movement and passage of something.

raced through

Suggests a sense of urgency and speed in the movement.

passed quickly

Highlights the brief duration of the movement or impact.

permeated

Implies a gradual but complete penetration or influence.

overwhelmed

Conveys a sense of being overpowered or inundated.

engulfed

Suggests being completely surrounded or consumed.

took hold

Focuses on the establishment and spread of an idea or trend.

washed over

Implies a sudden and overwhelming emotional experience.

rippled through

Describes a gradual and expanding effect or influence.

FAQs

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

Use "swept through" to describe something that moves quickly and powerfully through a space or group. For instance, "A wave of excitement "swept through" the crowd" or "The news "swept through" the office like wildfire".

What are some alternatives to "swept through"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "spread rapidly", "moved swiftly", or "permeated" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "swept through" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing events or changes that occur rapidly and widely. However, consider the specific tone and audience to ensure it fits appropriately.

Can "swept through" be used for both physical and emotional events?

Yes, "swept through" can effectively describe both physical events like a storm and emotional experiences like a feeling that spreads quickly. For example, "The flood "swept through" the valley" (physical) and "A wave of sadness "swept through" her heart" (emotional).