neatly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "neatly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is done in a tidy, organized, or careful manner. Example: "She arranged the books neatly on the shelf, ensuring that each title was visible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is a slim man with a charcoal shirt, orange tie and neatly squared goatee.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She is wearing a shirt dress, the buttons neatly fastened but the sleeves pushed up to the elbow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One method, using a "pricking iron", which looks like a fork, is laborious and hard to get straight; the other uses a "pricking wheel" – like a pastry edger – which zips along neatly but is much less satisfying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And that raises complicated implementation questions, which cannot be neatly summarised into the ridiculous binary of being for or against the perpetrators of beheadings.

The Guardian

The open shelves are stacked neatly with "museum quality" (non-acidic and chemical-free) cardboard boxes.

The Guardian

It was not that he was overtly political, more that the adaptation of Stan Barstow's novel fitted neatly within the naturalistic works of the period.

The Guardian

As people mill around the open-plan kitchen, spilling out into the living room and the garden beyond, he is easily identifiable, perched on a stool, specs resting neatly on the end of his nose.

The Guardian - Travel

Few things are less suggestive of genuine passion than a man who feels the need to tell everyone how "bloody pumped" he is every few minutes: other than his rolled-up sleeves that have been neatly ironed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which brings me neatly to the second striking point in Hypponen's lecture.

The Guardian - Tech

"Thran" translates as stubborn or obstinate and neatly encapsulates the attitude of that tribe at the edge of the union in all matters including politics.

The Guardian

Big brands once saw online drama as a direct way to reach new audiences while neatly avoiding TV's pesky product placement laws.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "neatly" to describe actions performed with precision and attention to detail, especially when emphasizing a visually pleasing or orderly result. For example, "The papers were stacked neatly on the desk."

Common error

Avoid using "neatly" to describe purely abstract concepts that don't involve a tangible or visual arrangement. It's less effective to say "The problem was neatly solved" when "elegantly" or "efficiently" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "neatly" functions primarily to modify verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes actions carried out with care, precision, and order. It also can modify adjectives, adding precision to the characteristic it describes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Lifestyle

15%

Tech

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Opinion

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "neatly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term that describes actions performed with precision and order. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. It is commonly found in various contexts, from news articles to lifestyle content. When writing, remember to use "neatly" to convey a sense of order and precision, but avoid overusing it with abstract concepts where other adverbs might be more suitable. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "neatly" into your writing to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tidily

Focuses on the order and absence of mess.

orderly

Highlights the systematic arrangement and organization.

precisely

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness in the manner of execution.

methodically

Suggests a systematic and careful approach.

skillfully

Focuses on the expertise and proficiency involved.

elegantly

Highlights the grace and style in the execution.

cleanly

Emphasizes the absence of mess and unwanted elements.

carefully

Stresses the attentiveness and caution involved.

smartly

Focuses on style and quickness in execution.

efficiently

Highlights effectiveness and lack of wasted effort.

FAQs

How can I use "neatly" in a sentence?

You can use "neatly" to describe actions done in a tidy or organized manner. For example, "She folded the clothes "tidily"" or "He arranged the books "orderly" on the shelf".

What are some alternatives to the word "neatly"?

Alternatives to "neatly" include "tidily", "orderly", "precisely", or "carefully", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "neatly done"?

Yes, "neatly done" is a correct and common phrase. It means something was completed in a tidy, organized, and efficient manner. For example, "The report was "skillfully executed" and "thoroughly researched"".

What's the difference between "neatly" and "efficiently"?

"Neatly" refers to tidiness and order, whereas "efficiently" focuses on achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort. You can arrange items "neatly" to create a visually appealing space, or complete a task "efficiently" to save time and resources.