neaten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "neaten" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of making something tidy or orderly. Example: "Please neaten your desk before the meeting starts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

(The Porsche, which is yellow, is for sale describes a Porsche which just happens to be yellow).H.W. Fowler suggested this rule to neaten English grammar in the 1920s.

The Economist

Stereotypes are there to speed up speech, to neaten arguments, to oil the wheels of planning and progress.

Independent

Roll the rolling pin across the top of the flan ring to trim off the excess pastry, then neaten up the edges by going round and pinching them with your thumb and forefinger.

Independent

While talking to my mother I neaten things.

The New Yorker

She is called on to minimize the damage and neaten up the look.

The New York Times

To neaten it up, I threw on a rough linen-cotton blend blazer with a soft suede underbelly beneath the collar ($3,300).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Ruth Sanders, a professor of German Studies at Miami University in Ohio, takes just such a view in her new book, telling the millennia-long story of German and how it got that way.Ms Sanders neatens the history by choosing six turning points to trace the development of German or, more accurately, the Germanic languages.

The Economist

Nevertheless, if you smeared off the make-up and neatened up the models' hair – and, perhaps, pulled a few of the skewed garments back straight – this collection could be easily worn by many.

Independent

She crouched down and tapped the papers against the floor, neatening the pile, making a crisp little sound, wanting above all to avoid the appearance of untowardness, wanting the whole operation to feel as tidy, as considered as possible.

The New Yorker

We can now see that most art begins in plurality, even if it is temporarily neatened into movements by artists, critics and art historians.

The New York Times - Arts

I quickly neatened up the stack of cards into a square pile, shoved them back across the table to the judge and removed my earmuffs and earplugs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "neaten" when you want to convey a sense of gentle tidying and arranging, not necessarily a deep clean or complete reorganization.

Common error

While "neaten" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for stronger verbs like "organize" or "streamline" when describing complex processes or systems.

Linguistic Context

The verb "neaten" functions primarily as a descriptive action, indicating the process of making something tidy or orderly. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in various contexts, such as "neaten up the look" or "neaten things".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Lifestyle

36%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "neaten" is a versatile verb used to describe making something tidy or orderly. As Ludwig AI states, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. It is commonly found in news, lifestyle, and general contexts. While generally neutral in register, it should be used sparingly in formal settings, where words like "organize" might be more appropriate. Its usage examples, primarily from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, demonstrate its widespread applicability and correct usage. To avoid monotony, consider using synonyms such as "tidy up" or "straighten up".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tidy up

A phrasal verb that implies making something neat and organized.

make tidy

Expresses the action of rendering something in a neat condition.

put in order

Focuses on arranging items systematically.

straighten up

Emphasizes the removal of disorder and mess.

organize

Implies arranging items in a structured way for efficiency.

arrange neatly

Highlights the aesthetic aspect of tidying.

clean up

Focuses on removing dirt and mess, often including tidying.

spruce up

Suggests making something look more attractive and well-cared for.

smarten up

Similar to "spruce up" but can also refer to improving appearance or behavior.

order

Short form for "put in order"

FAQs

How can I use "neaten" in a sentence?

You can use "neaten" to describe making something tidy or orderly, such as "She tried to neaten her desk before the meeting" or "He helped neaten up the living room before the guests arrived".

What is a good synonym for "neaten"?

A good synonym for "neaten" is "tidy up", which also means to make something neat and organized. Other alternatives include "clean up", "straighten up", or "organize".

Is it correct to say "neaten up"?

Yes, "neaten up" is a phrasal verb that means the same as "neaten". It's commonly used and perfectly acceptable in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "neaten" and "organize"?

"Neaten" implies a light tidying and arranging, while "organize" suggests a more thorough and structured arrangement. You might "neaten" a stack of papers, but you would "organize" a filing system.