clean around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clean around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of tidying or removing dirt from the area surrounding a specific object or location. Example: "Please make sure to clean around the furniture before vacuuming the carpet."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Removing everything from the icebox all at once will be far less time-consuming than trying to clean around anything.

The New York Times

Another family said staff were "uncaring and inconsiderate", while some parents suggested the ward was dirty and staff would "clean around" you.

The Guardian

Be sure to clean around the house, cook meals, feed fish or animals if the family has any.

WikiHow

One list should be things to clean around the house such as: your room, sink, toilet, shower, windows, and also dust.

WikiHow

Decide on a time to start, perhaps giving yourself time to clean around the house beforehand so that you aren't thinking about doing it when you're procrastinating later, and set yourself a time for lunch and a time to end.

WikiHow

Then take a cotton ball soaked in a saline solution or a cleaning solution and very gently clean around the piercing.

WikiHow

Then clean around the piercing and the jewelry, while cleaning Be sure to move the jewelry a bit to get the soap inside the piercing, which WILL burn, but it is a sure way to avoid infection.

WikiHow

As a result, we have now employed environmental cleaning teams that are dedicated to ICUs and are trained to clean around ICU equipment in our institution.

Critical Care

Clean around the outside of the grain bin.

Cornell University

At first I was a bed to clean around.

The New York Times

(Just remember, again, to clean around the edges before you suit up).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clean around", specify what you are cleaning around to provide clarity, for instance, "clean around the edges" or "clean around the sink".

Common error

Avoid using "clean around" without specifying the object or area. Saying "I need to clean around" is vague. Instead, state "I need to "clean around" the stove" or "I need to "clean around" the furniture".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clean around" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of cleaning the area surrounding something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, like cleaning around piercings, furniture, or equipment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

33%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clean around" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of cleaning the area surrounding a specific object or location. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s versatile and applicable in various scenarios, from cleaning around a piercing to tidying a room. While generally informal, its meaning is clear, and its usage is widespread across different contexts, notably in Wiki and News & Media sources. To use it effectively, remember to specify the object or area being cleaned to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clean up

Emphasizes a more thorough cleaning process.

tidy up

Focuses more on general tidiness rather than specific cleaning actions.

clear the area

Highlights removing items and debris from a space.

keep tidy

Suggests maintaining a general state of cleanliness.

sweep around

Specifically refers to using a broom to clean.

wipe down

Suggests cleaning with a cloth, often for surfaces.

dust around

Specifically refers to removing dust.

sanitize the surroundings

Implies a more thorough cleaning to eliminate germs.

groom

Focuses on maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of something, especially an animal or person.

maintain

Involves upkeep and care to keep something clean and in good condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "clean around" to describe the action of tidying or removing dirt from the area surrounding a specific item or location. For example, "I need to "clean around" the fish tank" or "She decided to "clean around" the garden before planting new flowers".

What are some alternatives to "clean around"?

Alternatives to "clean around" include "tidy up", "clean up", or "clear the area", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "clean around" or "clean up"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Clean up" implies a more thorough cleaning of an entire area, while "clean around" focuses on cleaning the area surrounding a specific object or spot. For example, "clean up" the house versus "clean around" the mess.

What does it mean to "clean around" something?

To "clean around" something means to tidy and remove dirt, dust, or debris from the area surrounding a particular object or location without necessarily moving or disturbing the object itself.