What are the definitions of “sweep away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sweep away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sweep away is to completely remove or destroy something, often with force or speed. It can refer to natural disasters, like floods or strong winds, or to a person cleaning or removing something quickly.
What are the different verb forms of “sweep away”?
| Root Verb | sweep away |
| Third Person Singular Present | sweeps away |
| Present Participle | sweeping away |
| Simple Past | swept away |
| Past Participle | swept away |
Example
The strong wind swept away the leaves from the sidewalk.
Example
She sweeps away the dust from the floor every day.
Example
The river is sweeping away the debris after the storm.
Example
The flood swept away several houses in the village.
Example
The old building was swept away by the tornado.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sweep away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“sweep away” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The flood swept away the bridge.
Example
Her enthusiasm swept me away.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“sweep away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The flood swept away the bridge.
Example
Her enthusiasm swept me away.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sweep away”?
Good things to know
Does “sweep away” have an informal or formal tone?
Sweep away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or speeches, depending on the specific context.
