clean and neat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clean and neat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a person's appearance or a physical surroundings. For example, "The room was kept clean and neat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cab and driver had to be "clean and neat".

The New York Times

The spotless rooms are clean and neat as a pin.

The Telegraph

It is clean and neat and strangely insubstantial.

The New York Times

Victorians, Abbott notes, loved how clean and neat — how manufactured — the sugar cube was.

The New York Times - Magazine

This means there won't be a clean and neat path to progress, nor should there be.

The New York Times

We have a beautiful apartment in the city and I just like things clean and neat.

The New York Times

"The neighborhood is beautiful, the building is nice and clean and neat," he said.

The New York Times

It is clean and neat and open and straightforward and hopeful.

The New York Times - Magazine

Just so the newsmen could see me in a cage that was clean and neat.

The New York Times

He is also "very clean and neat" and requires all around him "to be the same".

The Guardian

But the apartments inside were clean and neat, with basic amenities.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, use "clean and neat" when outlining expectations for workspace conditions, promoting efficiency and safety.

Common error

While "clean and neat" is a clear descriptor, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "tidy and spotless" or "orderly and immaculate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clean and neat" functions as a compound adjective, typically modifying nouns to describe a state of being both free from dirt and well-organized. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clean and neat" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression for describing something that is both tidy and free from dirt. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is versatile, fitting into numerous contexts from news articles to everyday conversations. While synonyms like "tidy and spotless" or "orderly and immaculate" can add variety to your writing, "clean and neat" remains a clear and effective choice. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy, and ensure that it accurately reflects the intended message of cleanliness and order.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tidy and spotless

Replaces "clean" with "tidy" and "neat" with "spotless" emphasizing impeccable cleanliness.

orderly and immaculate

Substitutes "clean" with "orderly" and "neat" with "immaculate", highlighting both organization and purity.

spick and span

An idiomatic alternative emphasizing thorough cleanliness and order.

well-kept and tidy

Replaces "clean" with "well-kept" and "neat" with "tidy", stressing a maintained state of order.

shipshape and Bristol fashion

A nautical idiom indicating excellent order and arrangement.

pristine and organized

Uses "pristine" to convey a state of original purity and "organized" to emphasize structure.

clear and uncluttered

Focuses on the absence of mess and obstruction rather than absolute cleanliness.

fresh and orderly

Emphasizes a sense of freshness alongside orderliness.

well-groomed and tidy

Implies a careful attention to appearance and order, often used for personal presentation.

polished and refined

Suggests a level of elegance and attention to detail beyond simple cleanliness.

FAQs

How can I use "clean and neat" in a sentence?

You can use "clean and neat" to describe a variety of things, such as "The office space was remarkably "clean and neat", which boosted productivity", or "Her "clean and neat" appearance made a positive first impression".

What are some alternatives to saying "clean and neat"?

Alternatives to "clean and neat" include "tidy and spotless", "orderly and immaculate", or "spick and span", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "clean and neat"? Don't they mean the same thing?

While "clean" and "neat" are similar, they emphasize different aspects. "Clean" focuses on the absence of dirt, while "neat" highlights orderliness and arrangement. Using both together reinforces the overall impression of tidiness.

Can "clean and neat" be used to describe abstract concepts?

While "clean and neat" is most often used for physical spaces or appearances, it can be metaphorically applied to abstract concepts, such as a "clear and uncluttered" explanation or a "pristine and organized" approach to problem-solving.