neatness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'neatness' is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
It is used to describe the quality or state of being organized, orderly, or tidy. Example: "The teacher always praised Sarah for the neatness of her notebook and assignments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Harold considered himself a neat man, but neatness consisted of taking things that were cluttering the countertops and shoving them into the nearest available drawers.

The New Yorker

He moves with Japanese neatness and almost feline delicacy.

The Guardian - Film

He likes its cleanliness and order (Uzbek officials harp on Tashkent's neatness).

The Economist

The case for a more proportional electoral system could then become irresistible, though that would not answer the immediate question of who governs.Certainly, there would be an historical neatness to a Labour-Lib Dem pact; Tony Blair privately sought such a deal before becoming prime minister in 1997.

The Economist

And he will have to curb his legendary appetite for neatness.

The Economist

The cosiness, the neatness and the quiet suggest a hortus conclusus, a medieval metaphor both for virginal women and the walled garden of paradise.Any veiled women seen there now, however, processing to Mass or tying up hollyhocks in their dark habits and white wimples, are ghosts.

The Economist

Their efforts to restructure and sell distressed loans helped Sweden to keep the eventual cost of its bail-out below 2% of GDP.One advantage of the bad-bank structure is neatness.

The Economist

And it was love and orderliness, rather than subservience, that made her lay out his clothes each morning with his pen, filled up, in one suit pocket and his cigarette lighter, filled up, in another, and the cufflinks in the shirt-cuffs, and the shoes shined.She applied the same sense of grace and neatness to America.

The Economist

But this theoretical neatness runs into a practical problem.

The Economist

It is not just an obsession with neatness and convenience that is causing cables to give way to radio waves.

The Economist

He also used regimentation, orderliness, neatness, and precision, an enormous effort to have everything at all times in its proper place.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "neatness" to imply qualities beyond just physical appearance, encompassing organization and attention to detail.

Common error

Avoid equating "neatness" with unattainable perfection. Striving for extreme "neatness" can lead to unnecessary stress and wasted time. Focus on functionality and comfortable order, not flawless arrangement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "neatness" is as a noun, representing the quality or state of being neat. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing the condition of objects, spaces, or even personal characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Neatness" is a common noun referring to the state of being orderly and tidy. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its plentiful examples show how "neatness" functions in various descriptive scenarios. While often positive, it is important to avoid equating "neatness" with rigid perfectionism. Related terms include "tidiness" and "orderliness", offering nuanced ways to describe arrangement and organization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tidiness

This alternative focuses on the state of being tidy and well-arranged.

orderliness

This suggests a systematic arrangement and organization.

immaculateness

This implies an extreme degree of cleanliness and order.

spruceness

This refers to being neat and trim in appearance.

trimness

This emphasizes a neat and well-maintained condition.

cleanliness

This highlights the aspect of being free from dirt and disorder.

good housekeeping

This refers to the practice of keeping a house clean and tidy.

smartness

This suggests a neat and stylish appearance.

precision

This highlights the accuracy and exactness in arrangement.

meticulousness

This implies great attention to detail and thoroughness in maintaining order.

FAQs

How can I use "neatness" in a sentence?

"Neatness" is often used to describe a state of order, like, "The "neatness" of her desk reflected her organized mind" or "The hotel was known for its "neatness" and cleanliness".

What are some synonyms for "neatness"?

Alternatives to "neatness" include "tidiness", "orderliness", and "cleanliness", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of being well-arranged.

Is there a difference between "neatness" and "cleanliness"?

While both relate to order, "neatness" emphasizes arrangement and organization, while "cleanliness" focuses on the absence of dirt and grime. A space can be neat without being perfectly clean, and vice versa.

What does it mean to describe someone as valuing "neatness"?

Describing someone as valuing "neatness" indicates they appreciate order, organization, and attention to detail in their surroundings and personal habits. It often suggests a preference for structure and control.