that can clean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that can clean" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object or device that has the capability to clean something. Example: "I just bought a new vacuum cleaner that can clean both carpets and hardwood floors effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Locate a Good House Keeping Service - If you've made the decision to rent your property as a vacation rental, it's a very good idea to locate a good house cleaning service or maid that can clean the property for you once your guests depart.

WikiHow

Rather, what we need is a mortgage Superfund that can clean up the toxic waste.

The New York Times

He sells an industrial croissant-buttering brush and a heat-resistant brush that can clean hot deep fryers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Those plants that can clean up cheaply, and thus emit less than allowed, are then free to sell their unused rights to those for whom pollution control would be costly.

The Economist

The other prize winners, to be recognised at a function at parliament house on Wednesday night, include CSIRO scientist Matthew Hill who won the physical scientist of the year for his work in creating crystals that can clean up pollution.

The Guardian

All the animals are familiar, so the idea is you can look out in your garden and see a dragonfly and know more about it than you did before, such as the male has a sexual organ that can clean the female's sexual organ, because the female tends to be extremely promiscuous.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"As much of the fat that you can clean out, that's an advantage to the campaign," said Ryan Meerstein, the senior political analyst at Targeted Victory.

The New York Times

Be sure that you can clean up messes that the bird leaves on the ground.

WikiHow

There are enough cleaning agents in conditioner that can sufficiently clean the hair.

WikiHow

Be nice to whoever will use your locker next year and bring some cleaning materials so that you can clean your locker.

WikiHow

Conservationist Mario Moscatelli spent the Olympics trying to rebuild mangrove swamps that can naturally clean the bay and the lagoons near the Olympic Park.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product or service, use "that can clean" to clearly communicate its cleaning capabilities to potential customers. For example, "We offer a new line of detergents that can clean even the toughest stains."

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple clauses with "that can clean" as it can make your writing convoluted. Instead, break down the sentence or use simpler phrasing to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that can clean" functions as a relative clause, specifically an adjectival clause modifying a noun. It describes a quality or capability of the noun it modifies, indicating its ability to perform a cleaning action. Ludwig confirms this is a common and grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

23%

News & Media

54%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that can clean" serves as a relative clause, effectively describing the cleaning capabilities of a subject. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and common, appearing across various contexts such as Wiki, News & Media, and Science & Research. The register remains neutral, making it suitable for diverse audiences. For alternative phrasing, consider "capable of cleaning" or "able to cleanse". When writing, ensure clarity by avoiding overuse in complex sentences. Overall, "that can clean" provides a straightforward way to convey cleaning abilities, contributing valuable information to the sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of cleaning

Emphasizes the inherent ability or capacity to perform cleaning.

able to cleanse

Highlights the power or potential to purify or remove impurities.

which is able to sanitize

Focuses on the ability to make something hygienic or free from germs.

with the capacity to purify

Stresses the potential or maximum amount that can be purified.

designed for cleaning

Highlights the intended function or purpose of something to clean.

effective at cleaning

Focuses on how well something performs the act of cleaning.

that serves to purify

Emphasizes the function or role of purifying something.

functions as a cleaner

Highlights the operational role or purpose as a cleaning agent.

equipped for cleansing

Focuses on having the necessary tools or features for cleaning.

used for sanitizing

Highlights the specific application or purpose of sanitizing.

FAQs

How can I use "that can clean" in a sentence?

Use "that can clean" to describe an object or substance with cleaning capabilities. For example: "I need a detergent "that can clean" grease stains effectively".

What are some alternatives to "that can clean"?

You can use alternatives such as "capable of cleaning", "able to cleanse", or "designed to clean" depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate, "that can clean" or "which can clean"?

Both "that can clean" and "which can clean" are grammatically correct, but "that" is generally preferred in restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning), while "which" is used in non-restrictive clauses (adds extra information but isn't essential).

What's the difference between "that can clean" and "that cleans"?

"That can clean" implies a potential or capability, while "that cleans" indicates an action that is currently happening or a habitual action. For instance, "a product "that can clean"" suggests the product has the ability, and "a product "that cleans"" suggests the product is actively cleaning.