What are the definitions of “sweep through”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pass easily, succeed.
She SWEPT THROUGH the exams.
- 2Move quickly through.
The disease SWEPT THROUGH the population.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “sweep through”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb sweep through is to move quickly through a place or a group of people. It can refer to a person, an event, or even a disease spreading rapidly.
What are the different verb forms of “sweep through”?
| Root Verb | sweep through |
| Third Person Singular Present | sweeps through |
| Present Participle | sweeping through |
| Simple Past | swept through |
| Past Participle | swept through |
Example
The storm swept through the town, causing damage to many buildings.
Example
The rumor sweeps through the office quickly.
Example
The wildfire is sweeping through the forest at an alarming rate.
Example
The news of the celebrity's visit swept through the school.
Example
The flu swept through the community, affecting many people.
What kind of phrasal verb is “sweep through”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“sweep through” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The wind swept through the trees.
Example
The news swept through the town.
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 through” 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 wind swept through the trees.
Example
The news swept through the town.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “sweep through”?
Sweep through* a competition
To win or dominate a competition easily.
Example
The team swept through the tournament, winning every game.
Good things to know
Does “sweep through” have an informal or formal tone?
Sweep through 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 presentations.
