neat

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "neat" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used as an adjective to describe something that is tidy, orderly, or well-organized. Example sentence: She kept her desk neat and organized with labels on each drawer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's very neat".

The New York Times

The neat thing about this is, you can play around with the ratio of herbs to suit your own tastes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are two more chances too: one flies just over, the other, a neat one-two with Benzema, is pushed away by Beto.

The Guardian - Sport

Carayol looked lively down the left flank in the first half and kept his marker Simon Francis honest while Dale Stephens and the captain Iñigo Calderón played some neat football as if to prove that it is not just Bournemouth who are easy on the eye.

The Guardian - Sport

If the minimalism of the past few years sleeked fashion out, neat is no longer new.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are other overlaps: Bubbles and Ziggy maybe (although not nearly as neat)?

The Guardian

Written towards the end of his life in England, where he was born, there is no hint of the monster in the curlicues of a neat, cursive hand.

The Guardian

A neat dresser, fastidious diner and devotee of wine and champagne, Arthur bought a property near Grasse, in Provence, and visited it frequently, preferably when he could watch English football on the satellite dish with a link provided, he claimed, by "a man in a Leicester attic".

The Guardian

Inside, neat lines of stone pillars rise to soft Moorish arches, creating beautiful walkways.

The Guardian - Travel

Anyone looking for a neat illustration of the cyclical workings of a successful British fashion brand needed only look to the front row at Luella Bartley's show today.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"They are far more elegant than flip flops, and more versatile," says Paul. "They work equally as well with shorts and a white T-shirt as they will with a neat tailored trouser in the evening".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "neat" to describe a well-executed plan or idea, suggesting it's clever and efficient. For example: "That was a neat solution to a complex problem."

Common error

Avoid using "neat" excessively in formal contexts where a more precise or sophisticated adjective would be appropriate. Alternatives such as "orderly", "organized", or "efficient" might better suit professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "neat" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe qualities like tidiness, order, or skill. As Ludwig AI indicates, the term is used to portray something is well-arranged or executed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Film

3%

Opinion

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "neat" is a versatile adjective, commonly used to describe something that is tidy, orderly, or well-executed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in contexts like News & Media, Travel, and Lifestyle, "neat" conveys a sense of approval and highlights positive attributes. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in strictly academic or business contexts. Related phrases include "orderly", "tidy", and "organized". Remember to avoid overuse in formal settings for stylistic impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

orderly

Focuses on the arrangement and organization of something.

tidy

Emphasizes the cleanliness and lack of clutter.

organized

Highlights the systematic arrangement of items.

clean

Stresses the absence of dirt or impurities.

well-kept

Implies that something is maintained in good condition.

elegant

Suggests a refined and stylish quality.

skillful

Highlights the dexterity with which something was done.

clever

Emphasizes ingenuity and intelligence.

trim

Focuses on the appearance and style of the subject.

tasteful

Underlines good judgment and aesthetic appeal.

FAQs

How can I use the word "neat" in a sentence?

You can use "neat" to describe something tidy, orderly, or well-organized. For example, "She has a "neat desk"" or "He came up with a "neat solution" to the problem".

What are some synonyms for "neat"?

Some synonyms for "neat" include "orderly", "tidy", "organized", "clean", and "elegant", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "neat"?

"Neat" is appropriate in various contexts, such as describing a tidy space, a well-executed plan, or something generally pleasing. It can also describe liquor served straight, without ice or mixers.

Is "neat" a formal or informal word?

"Neat" is generally considered an informal word. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives like "orderly" or "organized" may be preferred in professional or academic writing.