a clean reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clean reputation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that is perceived positively, without any negative associations or scandals. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, she finally earned a clean reputation in her industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

And in a system known for corruption, he also has a clean reputation.

The Guardian

Gonzalez, who has a clean reputation, maintains that he has never given the drug to Free House.

The New York Times - Sports

At a news conference in Cairo, the league's director, Nabil al-Araby, called General Dabi a "capable military man with a clean reputation," The Associated Press reported.

The New York Times

He has a clean reputation as attorney-general, a popularly conservative view on state spending, and a former governor and senator, "Happy" Chandler, as his grandfather.

The Economist

The new defence minister, Juwono Sudarsono, served as education minister under Mr Habibie and as environment minister under Mr Suharto and, unusually, had a clean reputation in both governments.

The Economist

McGooch2002 started his account six months in advance, built a clean reputation though such nonexistent auctions and then began a series of auctions of high-end merchandise in the last week of December that all ended around the same time.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Some money and perhaps some playing time, but for Tom Brady, the golden boy of the American football pitch, the Wells Report risks besmirching a squeaky clean reputation and a brilliant decade and a half of yeoman service to the entertainment needs of the American sport-watching public.

Huffington Post

The money-laundering revelations may do Sinn Fein some harm in the Republic, since it has, oddly, benefited from a relatively clean reputation in the past (the competition, in a polity plagued by accusations of planning-related bribery, is not hot).

The Economist

A Forbes 400 ranking doesn't always go hand-in-hand with a squeaky clean reputation.

Forbes

Despite being in Ukrainian politics since the 1990s, he retains a comparatively clean reputation.

Independent

"It created problems here because I had such a squeaky clean reputation," Newell says.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, use "a clean reputation" to highlight the value of integrity and trustworthiness in professional or personal contexts.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a clean reputation" means someone is flawless. It simply means their past actions haven't significantly damaged their public image, not that they're incapable of mistakes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clean reputation" functions as a noun phrase, where "clean" modifies the noun "reputation". It describes a state of having a good public image without any negative marks. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clean reputation" is a phrase used to describe a person, organization, or entity that is known for integrity and the absence of scandals. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its usage, while not extremely frequent, is common enough to be considered recognizable, mainly within News & Media sources. When using the phrase, remember that it implies a lack of negative history, not necessarily perfection. Consider using synonyms like "a spotless reputation" or "an impeccable reputation" for slight variations in emphasis. The phrase serves to project trustworthiness and ethical standing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unblemished reputation

Replaces "clean" with "unblemished", emphasizing the absence of any flaws or stains on the reputation.

a spotless reputation

Substitutes "clean" with "spotless", further highlighting the lack of any negative marks or incidents.

an impeccable reputation

Emphasizes the high standard and faultless nature of the reputation.

a sterling reputation

Highlights the high quality and value of the reputation, suggesting it is excellent and trustworthy.

a good name

Uses a more general term for reputation, focusing on overall positive perception.

a trustworthy image

Shifts the focus to the aspect of trustworthiness associated with the reputation.

an honest track record

Emphasizes the history of honest behavior that contributes to a clean reputation.

a virtuous standing

Highlights the moral and ethical dimension of having a good reputation.

a creditable character

Shifts the focus from reputation to the underlying character that supports a positive public image.

a respected public persona

Focuses on the external perception and respect earned by the individual or entity.

FAQs

How can I use "a clean reputation" in a sentence?

You can use "a clean reputation" to describe someone or something known for its integrity and lack of scandals. For example: "The politician maintained "a clean reputation" throughout his career."

What are some alternatives to saying "a clean reputation"?

Alternatives include "a spotless reputation", "an impeccable reputation", or simply "a good name", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a clean reputation" or "a good reputation"?

"A clean reputation" emphasizes the absence of negative information or scandal, while "a good reputation" is a more general term for a positive public image. The best choice depends on the specific aspect you want to highlight.

What does it mean to have "a squeaky-clean reputation"?

"A squeaky-clean reputation" implies an exceptionally pure and untarnished reputation, often suggesting that someone is almost too good to be true.