as tidy as possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as tidy as possible' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the importance of doing something in the most organized or neat manner possible. For example: "Please make sure to keep your room as tidy as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

For it to seem spotless, ideally, or at least as tidy as possible.

Huffington Post

Your best bet is to assume that you are going to get got, and keep things as tidy as possible.

Huffington Post

Keep your room as tidy as possible!

WikiHow

Keep the playroom as tidy as possible.

WikiHow

Make sure it's as tidy as possible.

WikiHow

You should have your igloo as tidy as possible, but still looking cool.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

She crouched down and tapped the papers against the floor, neatening the pile, making a crisp little sound, wanting above all to avoid the appearance of untowardness, wanting the whole operation to feel as tidy, as considered as possible.

The New Yorker

Remain as healthy as possible.

WikiHow

A. Even if your house hasn't been featured on "Hoarders," making an effort to clear out clutter and to ensure that your home is as neat and tidy as possible before opening your door to buyers is common advice in real estate circles.

The New York Times

Make your signature as neat and tidy as possible.

WikiHow

Try to look as neat and tidy as possible.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, frame instructions with "as tidy as possible" to ensure a clear and actionable goal that promotes accountability.

Common error

Avoid simply saying "try to be tidy". Instead, use "as tidy as possible" to set a clear expectation for the level of neatness desired and provide a concrete goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as tidy as possible" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the extent to which something should be tidy. It sets a clear and actionable goal for neatness and organization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to emphasize the importance of being organized.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as tidy as possible" is a grammatically correct and readily usable expression that sets a clear expectation for neatness and organization. As Ludwig AI notes, it is most commonly used to emphasize thoroughness in maintaining order. While its frequency is uncommon, its applicability spans both news and general contexts, making it a versatile choice for instructions and expectations. Related phrases like "as neat as can be" and "as orderly as feasible" offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments, adapting to varying degrees of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As neat as can be

Replaces "tidy" with "neat" and uses a more informal, emphatic structure.

As orderly as feasible

Substitutes "tidy" with "orderly" and "possible" with the more formal "feasible."

Keep it as shipshape as you can

Uses the idiom "shipshape" to convey tidiness, adding a nautical flavor and suggesting a higher standard of order.

To the best of your ability, keep it neat

Rephrases the instruction as a request to maintain neatness to the best of one's ability.

Maintain maximum tidiness

Uses the noun form of "tidy" and emphasizes achieving the highest level of tidiness.

In the tidiest manner achievable

Focuses on the manner of achieving tidiness, emphasizing the best possible approach.

As spick and span as doable

Uses the idiom "spick and span", meaning perfectly clean and tidy, and replaces "possible" with "doable."

Optimize for tidiness

Presents tidiness as a goal to be optimized, suitable for a technical or analytical context.

As clean and organized as realistically possible

Emphasizes both cleanliness and organization, adding a note of realism.

Try to be really neat

This phrase is a more direct and simple way to say the same thing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as tidy as possible" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "as orderly as feasible" or "maintain maximum tidiness" to convey a similar meaning with enhanced professionalism.

What's a more casual way to say "as tidy as possible"?

Informally, you could say "as neat as can be" or "try to be really neat". These options are suitable for relaxed settings or conversations.

Is "as tidy as possible" the same as "as clean as possible"?

While both phrases relate to maintaining a good condition, "as tidy as possible" focuses more on organization and order, whereas "as clean as possible" emphasizes the absence of dirt and germs. Depending on the situation, one may be more appropriate than the other, although they can sometimes overlap.

When is it appropriate to use "as tidy as possible" in writing?

Use "as tidy as possible" when giving instructions, setting expectations, or describing a desired state of order and neatness. It's suitable for both professional and casual contexts where clarity and a degree of thoroughness are important.