as clean as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as clean as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to make comparisons. For example: "My kitchen is as clean as a whistle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They were as clean as could be.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is as clean as they get".

The New York Times

It's as clean as a whistle.

The New York Times

"It's as clean as I've ever seen it".

The New York Times

The pages are as clean as a bible's.

The New Yorker

Cos Dave is as clean as clean can be.

The Guardian - Music

"His hands were not as clean as we assume".

The Guardian

We're trying to keep it as clean as possible.

The Guardian - Sport

It wasn't as clean as I'd have liked.

The New Yorker

All were pronounced as clean as a whistle.

The Economist

But it is not as clean as it could be.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as clean as", ensure the comparison is clear and relatable to the audience. For example, "as clean as a whistle" is a well-understood idiom, while "as clean as a newly manufactured circuit board" might require more context.

Common error

Avoid using "as clean as" when a simpler adjective like "clean" or a more precise description would be more effective. Overusing comparisons can make your writing verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as clean as" functions as a comparative construction, used to equate the level of cleanliness between two subjects. It leverages a standard of comparison, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "as clean as a whistle".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

26%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as clean as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative construction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for expressing a comparison in cleanliness across various contexts, predominantly in news, general writing, and scientific discussions. While perfectly valid, consider synonyms and more specific descriptors to avoid overusing it. Remember to ensure your comparisons are clear and relevant to your audience to maximize the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spotless as

Replaces "clean" with a synonym that emphasizes a lack of any marks or dirt.

pristine as

Indicates a state of being pure and untouched, emphasizing originality and cleanliness.

immaculate as

Implies a high level of cleanliness, suggesting something is perfectly clean and free from flaws.

hygienic as

Focuses specifically on the aspect of cleanliness related to health and the prevention of disease.

pure as

Suggests freedom from contaminants or impurities, emphasizing a state of unadulterated cleanliness.

sanitized as

Specifically refers to the state of being free from bacteria or viruses, emphasizing a medical-grade cleanliness.

clear as

Highlights the transparency and lack of cloudiness, often used for liquids or visual clarity.

unblemished as

Emphasizes the absence of any marks or imperfections, highlighting flawlessness.

aseptic as

Refers to a condition of being free from pathogenic microorganisms, crucial in medical contexts.

sterile as

Indicates a complete absence of living organisms, highlighting a level of cleanliness beyond simple dirt removal.

FAQs

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

Use "as clean as" to compare the cleanliness of two things. For example, "The operating room needs to be "as clean as" possible to prevent infection".

What's a common idiom using "as clean as"?

A common idiom is "as clean as a whistle", which means extremely clean.

What can I say instead of "as clean as"?

You can use alternatives like "spotless", "pristine", or "immaculate" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "as clean as" or "cleaner than"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "As clean as" is a comparison of equality, while "cleaner than" indicates superiority in cleanliness.