housekeeping

USAGE SUMMARY

"housekeeping" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use the word "housekeeping" to refer to the activities associated with cleaning and organizing a dwelling such as dusting, sweeping, and tidying up. For example, you could say: "I need to do some housekeeping before my mother visits - the apartment is a mess!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Treasury line is that the savings can be made from good housekeeping, with departments being pressed to continue underspending their budgets.

The Guardian

Others say it is just routine Hefce housekeeping, with the body showing it adheres to procurement rules.

The Guardian

A combination of abundant natural wealth, plenty of space and careless habits meant that few Russians took environmental housekeeping seriously.Now, a mix of business interests, criminal activity and government paranoia threatens to make matters even worse.

The Economist

And if there is a market price for housekeeping and childcare services, why would a divorce court apply drastically different pricing?

The Economist

The three armed forces are being told that they can buy more weapons if they buy together.Good housekeeping is part of the draft budget for next year, released on August 31st.

The Economist

Girls were educated in such institutions at a time when their sisters in other parts of the world were confined to housekeeping and child-bearing.Your reviewer also overlooks the civilising influence exerted by religious orders like the Cistercians, the Franciscans, the much-maligned Jesuits, or the Benedictines.

The Economist

The budget deficit is 11.8% of GDP, around four times the target for good housekeeping set by European Union members back in 1992.

The Economist

"This is a clear indication that there's some serious housekeeping to be done," says Claire Arnold, a co-founder of Maxxim.One company that put its HQ under the microscope before the credit crunch worsened is Smiths Group, a British firm that produces medical equipment, security systems and other products.

The Economist

It is still going strong, with the only concession to a changing Zeitgeist being a rebranding in 2011 that put more emphasis on housekeeping than on wives (there are a few male members, says Mrs Knupfer).Such frugal values are not just for southern Europe to learn from.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

If that is stripped away they are "dead in the water", he says.A spokesman for Guernsey insists that the island meets three good-housekeeping criteria: on transparency, effective regulation and co-operation with other tax authorities.

The Economist

In 1912 in America, Christine Frederick argued in "The New Housekeeping" for servants to get overtime and bonuses for mastering new tasks—and to be granted the respect of an honorific.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "housekeeping" in a business context, ensure it's clear whether you're referring to actual cleaning services or the metaphorical sense of organizational tasks and budget management.

Common error

While "housekeeping" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise terms like "maintenance", "organization", or "management" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "housekeeping" is that of a noun, referring to the activities related to the care and maintenance of a dwelling or, more broadly, to organizational tasks. As confirmed by Ludwig, this term is both correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "housekeeping" is a versatile noun with a primary function of describing tasks related to cleanliness and organization. According to Ludwig, the term is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears frequently in contexts such as News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While it can be used in formal settings, it also fits well in informal discussions about home maintenance. When using "housekeeping", ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to literal cleaning or more abstract organizational tasks. Related phrases include "domestic chores", "household management", and "general maintenance". It is important to avoid overuse of the term in overly formal writing, choosing more specific synonyms instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

domestic chores

Focuses specifically on household tasks, implying routine and often repetitive activities.

household management

Emphasizes the organizational and managerial aspects of running a home.

upkeep

A general term for maintaining something in good condition.

home maintenance

Highlights the upkeep and repair aspects of a home, going beyond simple cleaning.

cleaning services

Focuses on the professional aspect of cleaning, often implying hiring someone for the task.

general maintenance

Broadens the scope beyond the home, referring to upkeep in a more general sense.

good management

Refers to efficient and effective handling of resources or tasks, broader than just household.

administrative tasks

Shifts the focus to organizational duties, often in a business or office context.

efficient organization

Highlights the act of arranging and structuring things effectively.

organizational duties

Highlights the act of organizing, applicable in various contexts.

FAQs

What does the term "housekeeping" refer to?

The term "housekeeping" primarily refers to the tasks involved in cleaning and maintaining a house. It can also refer to general organizational or administrative tasks, as in "good "good housekeeping"".

How can I use "housekeeping" in a business context?

In a business context, "housekeeping" often refers to administrative or organizational tasks necessary for smooth operations. For example, one might speak of "data "data housekeeping"" to mean organizing and cleaning up data.

What are some synonyms for "housekeeping" in the context of cleaning?

Synonyms for "housekeeping" when referring to cleaning include "domestic chores", "cleaning services", or simply "cleaning".

Is "housekeeping" only related to residential spaces?

No, "housekeeping" is not exclusively related to residential spaces. It can apply to any environment, including hotels, offices, or even data systems, where maintaining cleanliness and order is required.