to be swept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be swept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being carried away or removed, often in a metaphorical sense, such as emotions or events. Example: "She felt as if she were to be swept away by the overwhelming tide of emotions during the ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't want to be swept away.

The Guardian - Film

The floor needs to be swept.

The New York Times - Arts

They deserve to be swept away.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not wanting to be swept away by sudden longing.

Columbia University

Still, all that was going to be swept away".

The New Yorker

Other teams dig down and don't want to be swept".

The New York Times - Sports

Florida's law nearly enabled another tragedy to be swept away.

The New Yorker

On Tuesday, the law is likely to be swept away.

The New York Times

How easy it is to be swept away.

The Guardian - Travel

I'm waiting to be swept off my feet by a Nigerian prince.

Independent

It is exhilarating just to be swept along in his turbulent stream of consciousness.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be swept" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the sweeping and what is being swept. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to be swept" when an active voice would be more direct and impactful. Passive voice can sometimes weaken the sentence, so consider if the actor should be emphasized instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be swept" primarily functions as part of a passive infinitive construction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this construction is often used to describe situations where a subject undergoes an action, rather than performing it. Examples show it in contexts ranging from being emotionally moved to being physically removed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be swept" functions as a versatile passive infinitive, commonly used to describe being acted upon or influenced, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans various contexts, from emotional states to physical actions, with high prevalence in News & Media. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, ensure the passive voice enhances, rather than weakens, your writing. Consider alternatives like "to be carried away" or "to be taken away" to fine-tune the meaning. Remember that clarity is key when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be carried away

Implies being emotionally overwhelmed or losing control.

to be taken away

Suggests a more literal removal or dispossession.

to be whisked away

Conveys a sense of rapid and exciting removal.

to be removed

A general term for taking something away.

to be cleared away

Emphasizes the removal of obstacles or unwanted elements.

to be eradicated

Indicates a complete and permanent removal.

to be eliminated

Suggests a systematic removal or exclusion.

to be superseded

Implies being replaced by something newer or better.

to be inundated

Implies being overwhelmed by a large amount of something, similar to being swept away by a wave.

to be overthrown

Suggests a forceful removal from power or authority.

FAQs

How can I use "to be swept" in a sentence?

You can use "to be swept" in various contexts, such as "The old regime was about "to be swept away" by the revolution" or "She didn't want "to be swept away" by her emotions".

What does it mean to "to be swept away"?

To "to be swept away" typically means to be overwhelmed or powerfully affected by something, often emotionally. It can also mean to be removed or eliminated, either literally or figuratively.

Which is correct, "to be swept" or "to get swept"?

Both "to be swept" and "to get swept" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "To be swept" implies a more passive and inevitable action, while "to get swept" can suggest a more accidental or circumstantial occurrence. Choose based on the context you want to convey.

What are some alternatives to "to be swept under the rug"?

Instead of "to be swept under the rug", consider using phrases like "to be covered up", "to be hidden", or "to be ignored", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.