gets dirty

USAGE SUMMARY

"gets dirty" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something has become very messy or stained, usually as a result of some kind of activity. For example, "My shirt always gets dirty when I'm painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone gets dirty.

The New York Times

Paper money gets dirty and damaged quickly.

The Economist

Q But it gets dirty, no?

The New York Times

"It never lasts, and it gets dirty".

The New York Times

Now go and take it off before it gets dirty.

The New York Times

And you hate it when it gets dirty.

The New York Times

It gets dirty; it's hard to sit under.

The New York Times - Tech

Every home gets dirty — big, small, apartment or vacation home.

The New York Times

When it gets dirty, you can flip it over.

The New York Times

Everyone gets dirty, but the pig likes it".

The Guardian - Opinion

"The road gets dirty and it offers no resistance," he sang, sweetly.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, use "gets dirty" to clearly indicate when an item requires cleaning or replacement. For example, "Replace the filter when it "gets dirty".

Common error

While "gets dirty" is grammatically correct, it can sound too informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "becomes soiled" or "accumulates contamination" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets dirty" functions as a predicate in sentences, describing a state change. As confirmed by Ludwig, it expresses how something becomes messy or stained. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

33%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gets dirty" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing the process of something becoming unclean. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s suitable for various contexts, although perhaps less formal settings. Analyzing its usage patterns, the phrase frequently appears in Wiki and News & Media articles. When aiming for a more sophisticated tone, consider alternatives like "becomes soiled" or "accumulates grime". The provided writing guidance and FAQs offer practical tips for utilizing the phrase effectively and avoiding potential pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes soiled

Replaces "dirty" with "soiled", implying a more significant degree of contamination or staining.

becomes unclean

Uses the antonym of "clean" to express the same idea, focusing on the lack of cleanliness.

becomes stained

Specifically refers to the development of stains, which are often difficult to remove.

picks up dirt

Emphasizes the action of acquiring dirt or debris.

accumulates grime

Focuses on the gradual accumulation of dirt or filth, suggesting a slow process.

is made filthy

Highlights the state of being extremely dirty or disgusting.

is covered in grime

Emphasizes the extent of the dirtiness, implying that the surface is fully covered.

is contaminated

Implies the presence of harmful or unwanted substances, suggesting a more serious condition than simply being dirty.

gathers dust

Specifically refers to the accumulation of dust, often over time.

gets sullied

Uses a more formal and less common word for "dirty", suggesting moral or reputational damage in addition to physical dirtiness.

FAQs

What are some ways to rephrase "gets dirty" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "becomes soiled", "becomes contaminated", or "accumulates grime".

Is there a difference between "gets dirty" and "becomes dirty"?

While both phrases are similar, "gets dirty" implies a more active or incidental process, while "becomes dirty" can suggest a gradual or inevitable change.

How can I use "gets dirty" in a sentence?

You can use "gets dirty" to describe something becoming unclean, for example: "The floor "gets dirty" quickly in the rainy season".

When is it appropriate to use "gets dirty" in writing?

"Gets dirty" is suitable for informal contexts, instructions, and general descriptions. In more formal or technical writing, consider more precise or sophisticated alternatives.