make it clean

USAGE SUMMARY

"make it clean" is correct and can be used in written English.
As with any phrase, its meaning may depend on the context in which it is used. For example, if someone were talking about housecleaning, you could use the phrase "make it clean" to tell them to tidy up the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

We should make it clean, not impose an end to its use.

Los Angeles Times

Please make it clean.

The New Yorker

You can't clean something that is dirty and make it clean.

The Guardian - Sport

It could even be processed to make it clean enough to drink.

The Guardian

Within minutes they would make it clean and like nothing ever happened.

The Guardian

A trainee magician casts a spell on a broom to make it clean the workshop.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Dom, she said, had made it clean.

The New Yorker

We have the opportunity to transform politics, making it clean and crony-free.

TechCrunch

* Getting it here * Making it clean enough.

Huffington Post

Finally one day he tried it and got destroyed, like six really bad slams, but finally he made it clean.

Vice

Antiseptic spray/wipes: These are medicated wipes or sprays that can be used to clean an area and prevent infection by making it clean and sterile.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make it clean" in the context of writing or design, ensure your intended message is clear and the execution aligns with a simple, uncluttered aesthetic.

Common error

While "make it clean" is acceptable, overuse in formal documents might sound too casual. Consider alternatives like "purify it" or "sanitize it" for scientific or business writing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make it clean" functions primarily as an imperative, urging action to purify or tidy something. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and applicable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

32%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make it clean" is a grammatically correct imperative used to request or instruct someone to clean or purify something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it is more suitable for neutral and informal settings, with more formal options being preferred in academic or technical contexts. It's usage frequency is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purify it

Focuses specifically on the act of removing impurities.

sanitize it

Emphasizes the elimination of germs or harmful substances.

decontaminate it

Highlights the removal of contaminants, often in a scientific context.

cleanse it

Implies a deep and thorough cleaning, often with moral or spiritual connotations.

tidy it up

Focuses on organizing and arranging something neatly.

spruce it up

Suggests making something more attractive or presentable.

polish it

Implies refining and improving something to a high standard.

rectify it

Focuses on correcting errors or mistakes.

improve it

Highlights the act of making something better in general.

refine it

Suggests making subtle improvements for a better final product.

FAQs

How can I use "make it clean" in a sentence?

You can use "make it clean" when referring to physically cleaning something, like "Make it clean before your parents arrive". It can also be used figuratively, such as "We need to "clean up the city" and make it clean from corruption".

What's a more formal alternative to "make it clean"?

For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "purify it", "sanitize it", or "decontaminate it" which are more precise and professional than "make it clean".

How does the context affect the meaning of "make it clean"?

The context determines whether "make it clean" refers to physical cleanliness, moral purity, or simply improving something's appearance or functionality. For example, "make it clean" can refer to simplifying a design or process.

Is it ever incorrect to use "make it clean"?

While grammatically correct, using "make it clean" might be inappropriate in highly formal or technical contexts where more precise language is expected. Always consider your audience and the desired tone.