clean of

USAGE SUMMARY

"clean of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that has been cleared or cleaned of something else. For example, "The floor was cleaned of dust and dirt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's clean of pretention.

The Guardian - Film

She wiped them clean of meaning.

The New Yorker

But they are clean of dog poop.

The New Yorker

In 2012 she declared she was "completely clean of addiction".

Independent

"Iraq is clean of any kind of mass-destruction weapons".

The New York Times

Here were the Middle Ages stripped clean of their population.

The New York Times - Travel

No way they're that clean of a team".

The New York Times - Sports

He wipes his lips clean of ketchup and grins awkwardly.

The New York Times - Magazine

They had been completely wiped clean of trees".

The Guardian

"I cannot wash myself clean of that moment," says Lawson.

The Guardian

His chest looked like a chicken breast picked clean of meat.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clean of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being removed or absent. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "clean of" when referring to something that is inherently abstract or intangible. The phrase is best suited for concrete items or situations where physical or tangible removal is implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clean of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the absence or removal of something. It describes the state of being free from a particular substance, element, or characteristic. This is consistent with examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

27%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clean of" is a versatile prepositional phrase indicating the absence or removal of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing "clean of", ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being removed. Alternatives like "free from", "clear of", and "rid of" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free from

Emphasizes the state of being without something undesirable.

clear of

Suggests that something has been removed, leaving the area unobstructed.

rid of

Indicates that something has been removed or discarded.

without

Implies the absence of something, focusing on the lack thereof.

devoid of

Highlights a complete absence or lack of something.

lacking in

Focuses on the deficiency or insufficiency of something.

absent of

Indicates that something is not present.

purged of

Suggests a thorough removal, often implying a cleansing process.

exempt from

Highlights an exception or release from an obligation or condition.

unburdened by

Emphasizes the relief of being free from a weight or responsibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "clean of" to describe something that has been cleared or freed from something else. For example, "The table was wiped clean of crumbs" or "The data transmitted was clean of personally identifiable information".

What is a good alternative to "clean of"?

Some good alternatives to "clean of" include "free from", "clear of", or "rid of", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "clean of" in formal writing?

While "clean of" is grammatically correct, in very formal contexts, alternatives like "free from" or "devoid of" might be preferred due to their perceived sophistication. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "clean of" and "free from"?

While both phrases indicate the absence of something, "clean of" often implies a removal process, whereas "free from" simply indicates a state of being without. For instance, you might say "The surface was cleaned of dirt" (removal process) or "The product is free from harmful chemicals" (state of being without).