clean up

USAGE SUMMARY

"clean up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean the act of cleaning or tidying something, and is commonly used as a verb or an imperative statement. For example, "It's time to clean up the kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"To clean up filth.

The New Yorker

To clean up?

The New York Times

Clean up, change, done".

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Clean up spills.

WikiHow

Clean up down south.

WikiHow

Clean up your skin.

WikiHow

Clean up dangerous spills.

WikiHow

Clean up as needed.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Clean-up of airports.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Clean-up heuristic.

Plosone

Clean-up properly.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clean up" in a professional setting, ensure the context is clear. For example, specify what needs to be cleaned or the area to be tidied to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "clean up" without specifying what needs cleaning. Instead of saying "We need to clean up", specify "We need to clean up the data" or "clean up the office after the event".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clean up" is that of a phrasal verb. It combines the verb 'clean' with the particle 'up' to create a new meaning, often implying making something neat and orderly. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use as a verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clean up" functions as a phrasal verb denoting the act of making something tidy or resolving a situation. Ludwig AI affirms it is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse contexts. Predominantly found in Wiki and News & Media, the phrase holds a neutral register, making it versatile for both formal and informal communication. When using "clean up", specify the object or area of focus for clarity. Related phrases like "tidy up" and "clear up" offer context-dependent alternatives, ensuring precision in expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tidy up

This alternative focuses on making something neat and organized, similar to the basic meaning of "clean up".

clear up

This suggests removing obstacles or misunderstandings, extending the meaning of "clean up" beyond just physical tidiness.

straighten up

Focuses on making something orderly, often used for rooms or areas, much like "clean up".

spruce up

Implies making something more attractive or presentable, adding a layer of improvement beyond basic cleaning.

declutter

Specifically refers to removing unnecessary items to create a cleaner space, a component of "clean up".

put in order

This alternative simply means to arrange something in a neat or organized manner, similar to the core meaning of "clean up".

resolve

This broadens the meaning to include resolving problems or conflicts, a metaphorical "clean up".

rectify

Emphasizes correcting something that is wrong or bad, similar to cleaning up a mistake.

sanitize

Focuses on making something hygienic, a specific type of "clean up".

make shipshape

This idiom refers to making something neat and orderly, often with a military connotation.

FAQs

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

You can use "clean up" in various contexts, such as "Please "clean up" your room", "The company needs to "clean up" its image", or "Let's "clean up" this mess".

What is the difference between "tidy up" and "clean up"?

"Tidy up" generally means to arrange things neatly, while ""clean up"" implies removing dirt or mess. However, they are often used interchangeably.

What are some alternatives to "clean up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tidy up", "clear up", "straighten up", or "spruce up".

Is it correct to say "clean up after yourself"?

Yes, "clean up after yourself" is a common and correct phrase, meaning to tidy up the mess you have made.