clearing out

USAGE SUMMARY

"clearing out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean "to remove or take away everything, or to make a space clean and tidy". For example, "We spent all day clearing out the basement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The floor just starts clearing out.

The New Yorker

"You've got to start clearing out".

The Guardian

The hallway began clearing out.

The New York Times

"I've been clearing out the archive".

The Guardian - Music

That only leaves clearing out the clutter.

The Guardian

Then start clearing out the clutter.

The Guardian - Tech

This week, demolition crews were clearing out the rubble.

The New York Times

In theory, clearing out the militia should be easy enough.

The Economist

Fires are a natural way of clearing out the underbrush.

The New York Times

"I started clearing out freezers all over the country".

The New Yorker

Where is the sin in clearing out "undesirables"?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clearing out" when you want to emphasize a thorough removal or emptying of something, whether it's physical objects or abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "clearing out" when you simply mean to make something tidy. "Clearing out" suggests a more extensive removal process, whereas "cleaning up" implies tidying and organizing.

Linguistic Context

"Clearing out" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the action of removing items or emptying a space. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is used in contexts ranging from physical spaces to abstract concepts like inventory or clutter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Clearing out" is a frequently used phrasal verb denoting the action of removing items or people from a space, with the intention of decluttering or emptying it. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples from diverse contexts, ranging from News & Media to Wiki sources. While versatile, it's important not to confuse it with "cleaning up", which suggests a less extensive process. Alternatives like "emptying out" or "removing items" can be used depending on the desired nuance. It's worth noting that, based on the provided examples, the phrase shows greater occurrence in journalistic and general contexts but is also suitable for business environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emptying out

Focuses specifically on the action of making something empty, similar to removing contents.

removing items

Emphasizes the physical action of taking items away, broader than just emptying a space.

evacuating the area

Implies the removal of people from a place, often due to danger or an emergency.

tidying up

Suggests making a space neater by removing clutter, less forceful than "clearing out".

getting rid of

Focuses on eliminating unwanted items or things.

cleaning up

Implies a more general cleaning process, which may or may not involve removing items.

vacating the premises

Refers to leaving a place, often in a formal or official context.

purging belongings

Indicates a thorough and often emotional process of discarding possessions.

decamping from

Emphasizes leaving a place, often quickly or suddenly.

unloading possessions

Highlights the act of getting rid of excess items or belongings.

FAQs

What does "clearing out" mean?

"Clearing out" means removing items from a space, often to declutter or empty it. It can also refer to people leaving a place.

How can I use "clearing out" in a sentence?

You can say, "I'm "clearing out" my closet" or "The crowd was "clearing out" after the concert".

What's the difference between "clearing out" and "cleaning up"?

"Clearing out" implies removing items, while "cleaning up" refers to tidying and organizing. You "clear out" a room to remove unwanted items, then you "clean up" to make it tidy.

What can I say instead of "clearing out"?

You can use alternatives like "emptying out", "removing items", or "tidying up" depending on the context.