clean thoroughly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clean thoroughly" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to clean something completely and with great attention to detail. Example: Before preparing dinner, be sure to clean the kitchen countertops thoroughly to prevent any cross-contamination.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The isthmus is one of the more difficult clinical challenges because the area is complex and not easy to clean thoroughly by mechanical preparation.

Evidence-Based Endodontics

In the days when washing was done painstakingly by hand with a washboard, a white dress was almost impossible to clean thoroughly.

BBC

And clean thoroughly after each use.

Huffington Post

Clean thoroughly.

WikiHow

Clean thoroughly, to avoid poor adhesion.

WikiHow

Rinse the wheels with water and clean thoroughly.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Cleans thoroughly without tears.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is why all nylons have to be cleaned thoroughly before the recycling process.

The Guardian

I was assured by the desk clerk that the "rooms are cleaned thoroughly" after checkout.

The New York Times

Lockers, she said, should be cleaned thoroughly several times a year.

The New York Times

The leaves are collected, cleaned thoroughly, and dried for 3 4 days.

Journal of Analytical Science and Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "clean thoroughly", specify the areas or items needing attention to ensure comprehensive cleaning.

Common error

Avoid rushing the cleaning process; ensure all surfaces and crevices are addressed to achieve a truly thorough clean. Don't just wipe the surface; get into the corners.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clean thoroughly" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "clean" is the verb and "thoroughly" is an adverb modifying the verb to indicate the manner of cleaning. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

48%

News & Media

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clean thoroughly" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the importance of a comprehensive cleaning process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across a range of contexts, from everyday instructions in WikiHow articles to more formal recommendations in news and scientific publications. The adverb "thoroughly" modifies the verb "clean", indicating a high level of detail and completeness in the cleaning action. To ensure clarity and effectiveness, consider specifying the areas or items needing attention and avoiding the common mistake of rushing the cleaning process, potentially leading to incomplete results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wash comprehensively

Indicates a thorough and all-encompassing cleaning process.

sanitize completely

Emphasizes the removal of germs and bacteria, focusing on hygiene.

vacuum completely

Focuses on ensuring all areas are vacuumed with no spots missed.

disinfect meticulously

Highlights a detailed and careful approach to eliminating pathogens.

scrub vigorously

Focuses on the effort and intensity of the cleaning action.

purify extensively

Implies removing impurities and contaminants in a widespread manner.

rinse exhaustively

Highlights a rinsing process that is extremely thorough, leaving no residue.

mop diligently

Suggests a careful and consistent cleaning effort with a mop.

polish extensively

Indicates that the polishing is done to a very high degree.

dust meticulously

Emphasizes the careful and detailed removal of dust.

FAQs

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

You can use "clean thoroughly" to describe a process that requires a complete and detailed cleaning. For example, "Before applying the sealant, make sure to clean the surface thoroughly."

What is a good alternative to "clean thoroughly"?

Alternatives include "sanitize completely", "disinfect meticulously", or "wash comprehensively", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "clean thoroughly" or "thoroughly clean"?

Both "clean thoroughly" and "thoroughly clean" are grammatically correct, but "clean thoroughly" is generally more common. The choice depends on personal preference and the flow of the sentence.

What does it mean to "clean thoroughly"?

To "clean thoroughly" means to clean something completely, removing all dirt, grime, and contaminants, ensuring a high level of cleanliness and hygiene.