Quick Question regarding Past/Present tense of swoop/sweep

DrummerGirl · Feb 11, 2010

Here's the beginning of a sentence from my WIP, which is written in present tense:

"I slowly swoop around..."

(MC is checking out a cemetery)

"I slowly sweep around" is a present tense variation on the above.

However, I prefer the swoop - is this correct in present tense? Or is swoop always past tense? I have exhausted myself trying to weigh it up, deleting, undoing, etc and so on... The small things can really get to you...

Thanks

TheIT · Feb 11, 2010

To me, "swoop" implies flying. "Swooping through the air". "Sweep" on its own makes me think the character is wielding a broom.

"I make a sweep through the cemetary" makes me think that the character is making a pass through the place looking for something.

kuwisdelu · Feb 11, 2010

They're both present tense.

Yeah, "swoop" implies a flying motion (though it doesn't necessarily necessitate it) while sweep is just to move swiftly through something. (By the way, swooping "slowly" is kind of a contradiction—or at least, reads oddly.)

Past tenses would be swooped and swept.

veronie · Feb 11, 2010

Past tense of "sweep" is "swept."

Past tense of "swoop" is "swooped" (I think).

DrummerGirl · Feb 11, 2010

Thanks guys!

This is very helpful. I'll consider the wording of the sentence as well - and the imagery/mood.

Quick Question regarding Past/Present tense of swoop/sweep

DrummerGirl

Capturing the Castle

TheIT

Infuriatingly Theoretical

kuwisdelu

Revolutionize the World

veronie

practical experience, FTW

DrummerGirl

Capturing the Castle