able to clean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to clean" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's capability or capacity to perform cleaning tasks. Example: "The new robot vacuum is able to clean both carpets and hard floors efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You may possibly be able to clean with the grapefruit and salt once a month with proper maintenance.

WikiHow

I'm able to clean my apartment.

The New York Times - Arts

Have you been able to clean up the system?

The New York Times

"We've been able to clean up the campus a lot.

The New York Times

Still able to clean, light gardening, DIY and anything.

The Guardian - Money

It came free a couple of times and they were able to clean it up.

The New York Times

To me, there's no corner you shouldn't be able to clean and fix.

The New York Times

Someone will come along, he said, who will be able to "clean Lindsey Graham's clock".

The New York Times

We wanted an interim president that was going to be able to clean up shop".

The New York Times

"We were able to clean them up, and God and Mother Nature and Albert regrew them".

The New York Times

(Most legitimate antivirus programs are able to clean up the mess left behind).

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a tool or product, use "able to clean" to highlight its functionality and cleaning capabilities. For example: "This vacuum cleaner is "able to clean" carpets and hard floors effectively."

Common error

Avoid using ""able to clean"" with abstract nouns that cannot be physically cleaned. For example, it's incorrect to say "He was "able to clean" his reputation". Instead, use phrases like "restore", "repair", or "improve".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to clean" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate capability or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to clean" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the capacity or capability to perform cleaning tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts such as news, wikis, and scientific publications. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of communication styles. When using "able to clean", it's important to consider more formal alternatives like "capable of cleaning" for elevated tone and to avoid misuse with abstract concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of cleaning

Replaces "able to" with "capable of", maintaining the meaning of having the skill or capacity.

has the capacity to clean

Emphasizes the potential or ability to perform cleaning tasks.

competent to clean

Suggests that the individual or tool is competent to handle the task of cleaning.

in a condition to clean

Indicates a state of readiness or preparedness to clean.

has the skill to clean

Highlights the possession of necessary skills for cleaning.

equipped to clean

Suggests having the necessary tools or resources for cleaning.

prepared to clean

Implies readiness and willingness to undertake cleaning.

in a position to clean

Indicates a situation where cleaning is possible or feasible.

fit to clean

Indicates suitability or appropriateness for cleaning.

authorized to clean

Suggests having the permission or authority to clean.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "able to clean" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "capable of cleaning", "equipped to clean", or "possessing the capacity to clean". These alternatives offer a similar meaning with a more elevated vocabulary.

What's the difference between "able to clean" and "can clean"?

"Able to clean" implies a capability based on skill or resources, while "can clean" suggests a possibility or permission. Although often interchangeable, "able to clean" emphasizes the means available to perform the action.

When should I use "able to clean" instead of "easy to clean"?

Use "able to clean" when referring to someone or something's capacity to perform the cleaning action. Use "easy to clean" when describing the characteristic of an object that simplifies the cleaning process. For instance, "This detergent is "able to clean" tough stains", versus "This countertop is "easy to clean" with a damp cloth".

Is it grammatically correct to say "being able to clean"?

Yes, "being able to clean" is grammatically correct, forming a gerund phrase. It can be used as a subject or object in a sentence, such as "Being "able to clean" the house efficiently is a valuable skill".