clean

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'clean' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to mean free from dirt, marks, or mess, or free from contamination or pollution, or free from use of drugs or alcohol. For example, "The kitchen was cleaned to a sparkling shine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If you'd seen what I'd seen in the restaurant my dad ran when I was growing up, the crap we had to put up with from drunks, the puke I had to clean out of the toilets on a Friday and Saturday night, you would know it is not just a religious issue with me.

The Guardian

"We have a whole new generation that is interested in climate change", he said as he predicted that putting taxes on the use of carbon would trigger a wave of clean technology which would lift people out of poverty in the developing world while preventing the global temperature from rising by more than 2C above pre-industrial levels.

The Guardian

Farah, who won Olympic gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m a year after joining Salazar in 2011, also insisted that he was a "100% clean athlete", but feared that some would think, after watching the BBC's Panorama programme on Wednesday night, that he is guilty by association.

The Guardian - Sport

The apparent antipathy towards anything deemed clean, green or renewable was further highlighted by the decision to change the name of the Clean Energy Supplement to the Energy Supplement.

The Guardian

Delicate cous cous, fragrant with toasted almonds and confit lemons, sits in a clean white bowl into which is placed lobster tails and stunning shellfish bisque.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That is why the UK and Australia are committed to scaling up financing - not just after 2012, but now, and why we are supporting the establishment of new funds administered by the World Bank for clean technologies, sustainable forestry, and for adaptation to climate change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some are on a grand scale – such as Spain's concentrated solar power stations which, by super-heating molten salts that hold their heat for many hours, can generate clean power from the sun at night.

The Guardian

I've seen Jason Roy hit the very first ball of the match clean out of Whitgift's little ground in Croydon and spent a couple of hours talking to Pat Pocock at the same venue during a four-day game.

The Guardian - Sport

Given this, Buckley-Irvine said, the students' union had decided to "have a clean break from these negative club cultures", and disband the club for the year.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Bank of America, which has already shelled out $40bn in clean-up costs for its acquisition of Countrywide, made a paltry $4.2bn in net income last year: one-fifth of the income of JP Morgan.

The Guardian - Opinion

On either side of the road are clean-swept living spaces, known as compounds, linked by narrow tracks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "clean", consider the specific context. Is it about physical cleanliness, moral purity, or environmental health? Choose synonyms that precisely reflect the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "clean" too broadly in metaphorical senses (e.g., "a clean solution") when more precise words like 'efficient' or 'simple' would provide greater clarity. Overusing "clean" can weaken the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clean" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of purity, absence of dirt, or adherence to moral standards. Ludwig AI confirms that "clean" is valid and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Opinion

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "clean" functions primarily as an adjective, conveying meanings related to physical purity, moral integrity, and environmental health. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and validity in English. With a very common frequency across diverse contexts, particularly in news media and lifestyle publications, "clean" adapts to various registers, ranging from neutral to formal. When using "clean", consider the specific context to select the most precise synonym and avoid overuse in metaphorical senses. Authoritative sources like The Guardian and BBC frequently employ "clean", underscoring its reliability and versatility in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spotless

Indicates a higher degree of cleanliness, implying the complete absence of spots or blemishes.

immaculate

Suggests a perfect state of cleanliness, often implying careful attention to detail.

pristine

Refers to something in its original condition, untouched and pure.

uncontaminated

Specifically emphasizes the absence of pollutants or impurities.

sterile

Implies a state free from living microorganisms, typically in a medical or scientific context.

pure

Emphasizes the absence of anything that taints or diminishes the quality of something.

hygienic

Focuses on promoting health and preventing disease through cleanliness.

unsoiled

Highlights the absence of dirt or stains, particularly on fabric or clothing.

clear

Suggests freedom from obstruction, impurities, or ambiguity.

wholesome

Often used in relation to food or lifestyle, implying purity and healthfulness.

FAQs

How can I use "clean" in a sentence?

You can use "clean" as an adjective to describe something free from dirt or impurities, for example, "a "clean house"". It can also describe something morally pure, like "a "clean conscience"".

What are some alternatives to the word "clean"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "spotless", "immaculate", or "pure" as alternatives to "clean".

What does it mean to have a "clean break"?

A "clean break" signifies a complete and decisive separation from a previous relationship, situation, or agreement, often with the aim of starting fresh.

Is "clean energy" the same as "renewable energy"?

"Clean energy" refers to energy sources that do not release pollutants into the atmosphere, while "renewable energy" comes from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar and wind power. While often overlapping, they are not perfectly synonymous.