clean the dust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clean the dust" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to remove dust from a surface or object. Example: "Before we set up the decorations, please clean the dust off the shelves."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"The inspector encouraged the operator to clean the dust, or at least avoid storing or serving open drinks directly beneath it — to avoid the dust from falling into the drinks of their bar patrons".

The New York Times

Fifty seeds were washed by distilled water to clean the dust.

International Nano Letters

Blast clean the dust fragments of history, the uneven layers of messy urban sediment.

Vice

Other articles recommend that users regularly clean the dust out of their computer to improve the cooling efficiency of their systems.

Wikipedia

All around my co-workers, and fellow volunteers clean the dust away from the couches, chairs, coffee tables and bookcases in the Macy's Living Room, while families walk in and out, mothers and daughters try on cocktail dresses and ball gowns, high-heeled shoes with sequins and bows.

Huffington Post

We were doing a workshop here in town like four months ago, just reading in front of an audience trying to refresh the play because we don't want to just clean the dust off it and put it on the stage.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Another recent patient, Miguel Lopez, 40, said he had felt awful since he worked several months for a company that cleaned the dust from office buildings in Lower Manhattan.

The New York Times

They ran through a play-by-play of a game while I opened the windows and cleaned the dust from the tables and lampshades and blinds.

Vice

It can even clean the thick dust that sticks after a rain shower or sand storm in humid conditions.

BBC

Degrease the range hood and clean the filter, dust open shelving and light fixtures, wash windows, and scrub appliances big and small.

Huffington Post

I'll just do it right, and that way she can't get mad at me.'" Now he doesn't need to be told twice how to clean the microwave, dust the blinds or scrub the sink.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "clean the dust", ensure the context clarifies what object or surface is being cleaned. For instance, specify "clean the dust off the furniture" or "clean the dust from the computer vents" for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "clean the dust" without specifying the location or object. Saying "I need to clean the dust" is vague. Instead, specify "I need to "clean the dust from" the shelves" or "clean the dust off the table" for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clean the dust" functions as an imperative or infinitive verb phrase, typically used to instruct or suggest the action of removing dust. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and usable expression. Examples show its use in various contexts, from cleaning furniture to computer components.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

31%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clean the dust" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to instruct or suggest the action of removing dust. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, primarily appearing in Wiki, News & Media, and Scientific sources. While straightforward, specifying the object or surface being cleaned enhances clarity. Related phrases such as "remove the dust" or "dust off" provide alternative expressions for the same action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove the dust

Replaces "clean" with "remove", emphasizing the action of taking the dust away.

wipe away the dust

Substitutes "clean" with "wipe away", suggesting a specific method of dust removal.

dust off

Uses the phrasal verb "dust off" which is a more concise way of saying "clean the dust".

clear the dust

Replaces "clean" with "clear", focusing on the result of making something free from dust.

get rid of the dust

Uses "get rid of" which is a more colloquial way to express the removal of dust.

eliminate the dust

Replaces "clean" with "eliminate", suggesting a more thorough and complete removal.

vacuum the dust

Specifies using a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust.

wash away the dust

Implies using water or another liquid to remove dust, broadening the method of cleaning.

sweep away the dust

Indicates using a broom or brush to remove dust.

mop up the dust

Emphasizes using a mop, typically for floors, to remove the dust.

FAQs

How can I use "clean the dust" in a sentence?

You can use "clean the dust" in a sentence by specifying the object or surface from which you are removing the dust. For example, "clean the dust off the bookshelf" or "clean the dust from the computer".

What can I say instead of "clean the dust"?

You can use alternatives like "remove the dust", "wipe away the dust", or "dust off" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "cleaning the dust" instead of "clean the dust"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "clean the dust" is an imperative or infinitive form, instructing or suggesting an action. "Cleaning the dust" can be used as a gerund, describing the action itself, such as "Cleaning the dust is a necessary chore".

What's the difference between "clean the dust" and "dust the surface"?

"Clean the dust" focuses on the removal of dust. "Dust the surface" implies a more general cleaning action where dust removal is the primary focus.