What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sweep
Example
I need to sweep the floor before the guests arrive. [sweep: verb]
Example
The bird made a sweeping motion with its wings. [sweeping: adjective]
swoop
Example
The eagle swooped down to catch its prey. [swooped: past tense]
Example
The superhero swooped in to rescue the hostages. [swooped: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sweep is more commonly used than swoop in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is more neutral in connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sweep and swoop?
Both sweep and swoop can be used in formal and informal contexts, but sweep is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
