clean that out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clean that out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to remove unwanted items or debris from a specific area or container. Example: "Before we start the renovation, please clean that out so we have a clear space to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And they can clean that out in a matter of a minute or two".

The New York Times

You should clean under your bed daily, unless you like it that way, then you won't have to clean that out, or you have a ton of things under your bed that you don't plan to clean out, which in that case, you wouldn't need to clean out debris because it would just be hidden by the various items under your bed.

WikiHow

We're trying to clean that out of our game, and its got to be done soon.... It's about the game and the embellishment embarrasses our game.

The Guardian - Sport

I mean, to me, I would say, "What's the big problem having to let General Motors go bankrupt sooner and find out what the good assets were and clean that out in a few months".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

We're trying to clean that part of the game out".

The New York Times - Sports

He must have cleaned that fucker out.

Vice

"As much of the fat that you can clean out, that's an advantage to the campaign," said Ryan Meerstein, the senior political analyst at Targeted Victory.

The New York Times

Clean out anything that's out of place.

WikiHow

If you can clean out that mistake, you can win medals".

The New York Times - Sports

Genuine sea salt is more expensive, but it has a bright clean taste that brings out the flavor in food rather than merely making it taste salty.

The New York Times

Even if the garage isn't attached to the house there is still an attachment to it by keeping it there, so clean that space out as well.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clean that out", specify what "that" refers to in the context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "clean that out", say "clean out the garage".

Common error

Avoid using "clean that out" when a more specific verb would be clearer and more descriptive. For instance, instead of "clean that out", consider alternatives such as "organize", "declutter", or "wash" depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clean that out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb used to instruct or describe the act of removing contents, debris, or unwanted items from a specified location or object. As Ludwig AI describes, it's usable in written English and suitable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clean that out" is a correct and usable phrasal verb typically used to instruct someone to remove items or debris from a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it fits comfortably in various written contexts. While grammatically sound, be mindful of clarity and context; specifying what "that" refers to is crucial for avoiding ambiguity. More formal settings may benefit from more precise alternatives. Though not exceptionally frequent, it appears commonly in News & Media and Wiki contexts, reinforcing its versatility and widespread understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear that out

Focuses on removing items, often to create space or order.

empty that out

Emphasizes the act of making something completely devoid of contents.

remove that

A more general term for taking something away.

discard that

Implies throwing something away because it's no longer needed or wanted.

get rid of that

An informal way to express the act of eliminating something undesirable.

purge that

Suggests a thorough removal, often of something considered harmful or undesirable.

eliminate that

A more formal term for removing something completely.

sanitize that

Focuses on cleaning and disinfecting, implying removal of germs or contaminants.

sweep that out

Emphasizes the method of removal, typically using a broom or brush.

extract that

Suggests carefully removing something, often from a larger context.

FAQs

How can I use "clean that out" in a sentence?

You can use "clean that out" to instruct someone to remove items or debris from a specific area or container. For example, "Before we start, please "clear that out" so we have a clear space to work".

What's a more formal way to say "clean that out"?

While "clean that out" is acceptable, more formal alternatives include "remove that", "empty that", or depending on the context, a more specific verb like "sanitize that".

What can I say instead of "clean that out" to emphasize thoroughness?

To emphasize a thorough removal, you could use phrases like "purge that" or "sweep that out".

Is there a difference between "clean that out" and ""clear that out""?

While similar, "clear that out" often focuses on removing items to create space or order, whereas "clean that out" can also imply removing dirt or debris. The best choice depends on the specific context.