thoroughly clean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly clean" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone or something that's been cleaned thoroughly. For example: The kitchen was thoroughly clean after the housekeeper finished her work.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When cleaning, you should move it very gently, and only enough to thoroughly clean the piercing.

WikiHow

"We thoroughly clean, then paint it.

The New York Times

Thoroughly clean the area with disinfectant.

The New York Times

Thoroughly clean the refrigerator, stovetop and countertops often.

The New York Times

For the filling, thoroughly clean and roughly chop the escarole.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We had been advised to make sure we were thoroughly clean before entering the baths.

Science Magazine

The added necessity to thoroughly clean the udder increases the labour associated with milking.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Wipe them thoroughly clean.

WikiHow

Thoroughly clean it.

WikiHow

Thoroughly clean your bathroom.

WikiHow

Thoroughly clean your vacuum - especially the filters.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to clean, use "thoroughly clean" to emphasize the importance of not just surface-level cleaning, but a deep and complete cleaning process.

Common error

While "thoroughly clean" is acceptable in most contexts, be mindful of overuse in casual conversation. Simpler terms like "clean well" or "give it a good clean" might sound more natural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly clean" functions as an adverbial modifier enhancing the verb "clean". It specifies the manner in which the action is performed, indicating a comprehensive and meticulous cleaning process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

57%

News & Media

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly clean" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize the need for a comprehensive cleaning approach across diverse contexts, ranging from Wiki instructions to news reports. While versatile, be mindful of tone in informal settings. Alternatives include "deep clean" or "scrupulously clean" for nuanced expression. The phrase underscores the importance of detail, hygiene, and preparation in any cleaning task, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary. The analysed examples showcase just how versatile and applicable the expression is.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep clean

Focuses on a more intensive level of cleaning than just "thoroughly clean".

scrupulously clean

Implies a meticulous and careful cleaning process, emphasizing attention to detail.

meticulously clean

Similar to scrupulously clean, highlighting the detailed and precise nature of the cleaning.

completely sanitize

Focuses on eliminating germs and bacteria, adding a hygienic dimension to the cleaning process.

painstakingly clean

Emphasizes the effort and care taken in cleaning, suggesting a longer and more involved process.

clean meticulously

Reverses the word order while retaining a similar meaning, but placing emphasis on the verb "clean".

clean comprehensively

Highlights the broad scope of the cleaning, ensuring no area is missed.

utterly cleanse

Implies a complete removal of dirt or impurities, suggesting a profound cleaning effect.

fully purify

Suggests the removal of contaminants beyond just dirt, adding a layer of purification to the cleaning.

wash thoroughly

Replaces "clean" with "wash", focusing on the action of washing to achieve a thorough result.

FAQs

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

You can use "thoroughly clean" to describe the action of cleaning something completely and carefully, such as "You must "thoroughly clean" the wound to prevent infection".

What's a less formal alternative to "thoroughly clean"?

In more casual contexts, you might use phrases like "clean well", "give it a good clean", or simply "clean it carefully" instead of ""thoroughly clean"".

Is it redundant to say "thoroughly clean"?

While "clean" implies a degree of thoroughness, ""thoroughly clean"" emphasizes the need for a complete and meticulous cleaning, making it suitable when extra attention to detail is required.

When should I use "thoroughly clean" versus "sanitize"?

"Thoroughly clean" focuses on removing dirt and debris, while "sanitize" aims to reduce bacteria and germs. Use "sanitize" when hygiene is the primary concern, and "thoroughly clean" when physical cleanliness is the focus, or both when both goals are intended.