Sweep meaning in English
Learn how to use Sweep correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
a sweep: a wide and curving movement; a search
Note: don't confuse with the verb to sweep which means to brush the floor to clean it.
to sweep: to clean, to brush, to clear the floor with a broom or brush
This is an irregular verb:
I sweep / I swept / I have swept
sweeping (changes): wide, extensive, profound (changes)
Be careful: do not confuse the adjective "sweeping" with the action "sweeping" (as in "sweeping the floor").
Examples
- "We are proud to announce sweeping reforms here at Warbuckle's department stores."
- "Why is he sweeping the street?"
- "Hank : If you must know, I'm sweeping the streets for a living."
- "Marshall was doing his daily sweep of Amarillo's natural wildlife preserve, which borders Warbuckle's ranch on three sides."
- "We are proud to announce sweeping reforms at Warbuckle's department stores in the interest of philanthropy."
- "Edward : No, I was talking about your sweeping – it's terrible."
Exercise 1
Choose the statement that best summarizes this scene!
Choose the statement that best summarizes this scene!
This is the statement that best summarizes this scene. Edward and Hannah are walking outside when Edward points out, or identifies, the actor who played Dr. Hank Straddlefield on a television show called "Horrible Crimes and Forensic Miracles". Hannah then wonders why he is "sweeping the streets" (using a broom to clean the streets).
This statement doesn't summarize this scene accurately, however it does summarize a dream I had once after eating a bad hot dog and taking LSD.
This statement doesn't summarize this scene accurately. Edward is not describing a new television series, but actually telling Hannah that he recognizes an actor from a television series in the streets.
This statement doesn't summarize this scene accurately. The television show which Edward describes to Hannah is actually about a doctor, not a street cleaner!
Exercise 2
"The first thing I'd like you to do is clear off your desk".
Bob wants Horatio to:
Bob wants Horatio to:
"The first thing I'd like you to do is clear off your desk".
Bob wants Horatio to:
Bob wants Horatio to:
This is not the best choice here. "To clear off (a surface)" does not actually express that a surface will be "swept", but rather that it will be "cleaned", "tidied", or "arranged". "To sweep (the floor)" is to use a broom or a brush to clean the floor of dirt and dust.
"To clear off (a surface)" does not actually express that a surface will be "washed", but rather that it will be "cleaned", "tidied", or "arranged". "Washing" always involves water, unless it is "brainwashing", which involves manipulation and advertising executives, usually.
This is the best choice here. "To clear off" (a surface) means to arrange, clean or put it in order. In this case, Bob wants Horatio to "clean up" or "tidy", probably by removing the objects on the desk, before beginning the lessons.
The phrasal verb "to clear off" does not mean "to sit down". The two verbs are totally unrelated.
This is not the best choice here. "To clear off (a surface)" does not actually express that a surface will be "mopped", but rather that it will be "cleaned", "tidied", or "arranged". "To mop (the floor)" is to use water, detergent and a mop (an implement with absorbent material) in order to clean the floor.
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