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Phrasal verbs "sweep away" vs "whisk away"

Differences between sweep away and whisk away

Sweep away usually means to remove something or someone with a broom or brush, whereas whisk away generally means to take someone or something away quickly and suddenly.

Meanings and Definitions: sweep away vs whisk away

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Sweep away

  • 1To become completely absorbed or carried away by something.

    I got quite swept away with the spirit of the moment.

  • 2To completely remove or destroy something, especially with force or speed.

    Many people died when floods swept their homes away.

Whisk away

  • 1Take to another place quickly.

    The police WHISKED the minister AWAY when the trouble started.

Usage Examples: sweep away, whisk away in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

sweep away

Example

The strong wind swept away the leaves from the sidewalk.

Example

She sweeps away the dust from the floor every day.

whisk away

Example

The wind whisked away the leaves from the ground.

Example

She whisks away the crumbs from the table after dinner.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sweep away

clear out

To remove or get rid of something completely.

Example

She decided to clear out her closet and donate all the clothes she no longer wore.

brush aside

To dismiss or ignore something without giving it much thought or consideration.

Example

He brushed aside her concerns about the project's timeline and continued working at his own pace.

tidy up

To clean or organize a space or area.

Example

Before the guests arrived, she made sure to tidy up the living room and put away any clutter.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Whisk away

sweep off one's feet

To impress or charm someone greatly, often leading to romantic feelings.

Example

He swept her off her feet with his romantic gestures and thoughtful surprises.

take by surprise

To catch someone off guard or unexpectedly.

Example

The sudden announcement took everyone by surprise and left them speechless.

carry off

To take or lead someone or something away, often with confidence or ease.

Example

The actor carried off the challenging role with grace and skill, earning critical acclaim for his performance.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “sweep”

Phrasal Verbs with “away”

Differences in sweep away vs whisk away: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: sweep away or whisk away?

In daily conversation, people use whisk away more often than sweep away. This is because whisk away is used for more emotional or dramatic situations such as being swept off your feet or being taken away by surprise. Sweep away is not used as much in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of sweep away and whisk away

Sweep away and whisk away are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of sweep away and whisk away

The tone of sweep away and whisk away can differ based on context. Sweep away often carries a practical or mundane tone when related to cleaning or tidying up, while whisk away typically has a romantic or adventurous tone, especially when referring to being taken away unexpectedly.

sweep away & whisk away: Synonyms and Antonyms

Sweep away

Synonyms

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