he is clean

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'he is clean' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence when you are describing someone's personal hygiene or neatness. For example: "The toddler's room was a mess but he was clean - not a trace of dirt on his clothes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

And Gatlin insists he is clean.

The Guardian - Sport

He is clean lines and simple shapes.

The New Yorker

We know that he is clean.

The Guardian - Sport

A longtime drug addict, Danny declares he is clean.

The New York Times

He has repeatedly maintained that he is clean.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, he says, he is clean and sober.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

A background check was performed and, said one Times executive, "he was clean".

The New York Times

He is clean-shaven.

The Guardian

He is clean-shaven and has a square face.

Independent

He is clean-shaven, well-pressed and sports a jaunty hat.

The Guardian

At 6 feet 5 inches and 220 pounds, he is clean-cut, lanky and fair-haired.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's sobriety, use "he is clean and sober" to emphasize the absence of both drugs and alcohol.

Common error

Avoid assuming "he is clean" always refers to sobriety. The phrase can also describe physical appearance (clean-shaven) or a lack of criminal record (a "clean" background check).

Linguistic Context

"He is clean" functions primarily as a declarative statement. It asserts a state of being, typically related to freedom from drugs, alcohol, or other undesirable elements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is clean" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, particularly in news and media, to denote that someone is free from drugs or alcohol, has a neat appearance, or possesses a spotless background. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread and versatile. While it typically carries a neutral tone, its specific meaning depends heavily on context. For those seeking alternatives, phrases like "he is sober" or a more specific description (e.g., "he is clean-shaven") can offer greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is clear

Suggests he is free from suspicion or blame.

he is impeccable

Replaces "clean" with a stronger term suggesting faultlessness.

he believes clean

Shifts the focus to his conviction of being clean.

he suggests clean

Implies that he hints at being clean without explicitly stating it.

he is pure

Indicates innocence and lack of corruption.

he is healthy

Emphasizes physical well-being, which can be related to being "clean" from drugs.

he is fair

Indicates honesty and integrity.

he is honest

Highlights his truthfulness and lack of deceit.

he is neat

Focuses on physical appearance and tidiness.

he is fresh

Suggests purity and newness.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "he is clean"?

The phrase "he is clean" typically means that someone is free from drugs or alcohol. However, it can also refer to someone who is clean-shaven or has a background check with no criminal record.

How can I use "he is clean" in a sentence?

You can use "he is clean" to indicate that someone has overcome an addiction: "After rehab, he is clean and committed to staying sober."

What can I say instead of "he is clean" when referring to sobriety?

You can use alternatives like "he is sober", "he is drug-free", or "he is abstinent" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "he is clean" and "he is clean-shaven"?

"He is clean" often refers to someone being free from drugs or alcohol, while "he is clean-shaven" describes someone who has shaved their facial hair.