it is shipshape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is shipshape" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is neat, tidy, or in good order, often in a nautical context. Example: "After hours of cleaning and organizing, the office is finally shipshape and ready for the big meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it is shipshape, with high-thread-count bed linen.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now, it's shipshape.

Independent

Although the combination to my junior-high-school locker seems to be indelibly lodged in some handy nook of my temporal lobe, right next to Motown song lyrics, could it be that elsewhere in my head not everything is shipshape?

The New Yorker

So I thought, 'Let's go.' " The result is an epic disaster movie about the sinking of the country's seventh-largest corporation and the gentlemen -- most notably Kenneth Lay, Jeffrey Skilling and Andrew Fastow -- who drove it headlong into ruin, all the while claiming it to be shipshape.

The New York Times

Another has her ensuring everything on board his boat is shipshape.

The Economist

It has always been the case that, when Jayne and I call it a day, she goes upstairs while I linger downstairs in order to lock up, switch off the lights, perform a visual sweep, and generally satisfy myself that everything is shipshape and we can safely bed down.

The New Yorker

The garage is shipshape perfect.

Huffington Post

Three years ago, the firm completed the renovation of the Hoboken railroad terminal's Beaux-Arts main waiting room, and now it is at work restoring the decades-old, long-defunct Hoboken ferry terminal, which is expected to be shipshape in 2007.

The New York Times

The house was shipshape.

The New York Times - Travel

Service was shipshape on two visits.

The New York Times

Beds and dorms have to be shipshape.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is shipshape" when you want to emphasize not only cleanliness and order but also a state of readiness and efficiency, reminiscent of a well-maintained ship. It adds a touch of nautical flair to your writing.

Common error

While "it is shipshape" can be used metaphorically, avoid overusing it in contexts far removed from the idea of order and readiness. Overuse can make your writing sound contrived or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is shipshape" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, describing the state or condition of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used to indicate that something is in a neat, tidy, and orderly state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is shipshape" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that is neat, tidy, and in good order. As Ludwig AI highlights, it effectively conveys a state of readiness and efficiency. While originating from nautical contexts, its usage has expanded metaphorically across various domains, particularly in news and media. When writing, consider using it to add a distinctive touch to your descriptions while avoiding overuse in unrelated contexts. Related phrases like ""it is in order"" or ""it is well-organized"" can serve as alternatives to maintain clarity and avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is in order

Replaces "shipshape" with a more general term for being properly arranged or functioning.

it is well-organized

Focuses on the structured and methodical aspect of being "shipshape".

it is tidy

Highlights the neat and clean aspect, similar to the orderly nature of a ship.

it is neat

Similar to "tidy", emphasizing cleanliness and order.

it is immaculate

Suggests a flawless condition, going beyond mere orderliness to perfection.

it is spick and span

An idiomatic phrase emphasizing cleanliness and order.

it is ready for anything

Shifts the focus to preparedness, implying that everything is in order to face challenges.

it is prepared

Highlights the state of being ready and equipped.

it is all set

Indicates that everything is arranged and ready.

it is up to scratch

British English idiom meaning something meets the required standard.

FAQs

What does "it is shipshape" mean?

The phrase "it is shipshape" means that something is neat, tidy, and in good order, like a well-maintained ship.

How can I use "it is shipshape" in a sentence?

You can use "it is shipshape" to describe a room, a plan, or even a business, for example: "After hours of cleaning, the office is finally "it is shipshape" and ready for the client meeting."

What can I say instead of "it is shipshape"?

You can use alternatives like "it is in order", "it is well-organized", or "it is tidy" depending on the context.

Is "shipshape" only used to describe physical spaces?

No, "shipshape" can also be used metaphorically to describe plans, processes, or even someone's health. For example, "With the new system in place, the department is finally "it is shipshape"."