thoroughly cleaned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly cleaned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been cleaned in a very complete and detailed manner. Example: "After the party, the kitchen was thoroughly cleaned, leaving no trace of the mess behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Surface cleaning was inadequate, with only one-third of surfaces thoroughly cleaned.

The New York Times - Health

Place them in your thoroughly cleaned bottle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

First, surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and pretreated to generate additional silanol groups.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

If a market tests positive, it is depopulated and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Cornell University

During April, all books and shelves on the Lower Level will be thoroughly cleaned.

Stanford University

The bedding was changed and bedding trays were thoroughly cleaned between sessions.

Nature

The truck was apparently thoroughly cleaned out with bleach before it was stolen.

The Guardian

When Olvera declares it hasn't been thoroughly cleaned I feel absolved to leave it alone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The obtained Ni/GD was then thoroughly cleaned and immediately used for electrochemical measurements.

Nature

The maze was thoroughly cleaned with dilute soap solution before testing each gerbil.

Nature

Once the apartment is thoroughly cleaned, he says, the air filters will make a big difference.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a cleaning process, ensure the level of detail aligns with the context. Use "thoroughly cleaned" when you want to emphasize the completeness of the cleaning action, leaving no area untouched.

Common error

Avoid using "thoroughly cleaned" in casual conversations where a simple "cleaned" or "wiped" suffices. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural. Reserve "thoroughly cleaned" for situations where the depth and effectiveness of the cleaning are important to highlight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly cleaned" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating the state of something after it has been cleaned extensively. Ludwig examples showcase its use across various contexts, confirming its role in describing a high degree of cleanliness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

31%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thoroughly cleaned" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe something that has been cleaned to a high degree. According to Ludwig, it functions primarily as an adjective phrase, emphasizing the completeness of the cleaning process. It is considered grammatically correct and is frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, reflecting a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "completely sanitized" or "scrupulously scrubbed" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase is a testament to the importance of detailed cleanliness, and its appropriate use can significantly enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely sanitized

Focuses on the removal of germs and bacteria, implying a higher level of cleanliness.

entirely disinfected

Emphasizes the elimination of infectious agents, suitable for medical or food-related contexts.

spotlessly purified

Implies a removal of impurities, suggesting a pristine and unblemished state.

scrupulously scrubbed

Highlights the meticulous nature of the cleaning process, suggesting great attention to detail.

immaculately cleansed

Emphasizes perfection in cleanliness, suggesting a flawless result.

extensively washed

Focuses on the action of washing, implying a broad and comprehensive cleaning effort.

carefully rinsed

Highlights the rinsing aspect, indicating a removal of all traces of cleaning agents.

pristinely restored

Suggests that the object was cleaned to regain its original, immaculate condition.

assiduously wiped down

Implies a diligent and consistent wiping to achieve cleanliness.

meticulously polished

Focuses on achieving a shine and refined appearance through detailed cleaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "thoroughly cleaned" to describe something that has been cleaned in a complete and detailed manner. For example: "The laboratory equipment was "thoroughly cleaned" after each experiment to prevent contamination."

What are some alternatives to saying "thoroughly cleaned"?

Some alternatives to "thoroughly cleaned" include "completely sanitized", "entirely disinfected", or "scrupulously scrubbed", depending on the specific context and the level of cleanliness you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "thoroughly cleaned and disinfected"?

While "cleaned" and "disinfected" have overlapping meanings, using both emphasizes both the removal of dirt and grime (cleaning) and the elimination of harmful microorganisms (disinfection). Saying "thoroughly cleaned and disinfected" highlights that both aspects were addressed completely.

Which is more appropriate, "thoroughly cleaned" or "cleaned thoroughly"?

Both "thoroughly cleaned" and "cleaned thoroughly" are grammatically correct, but "thoroughly cleaned" is generally preferred because it sounds more natural and is more commonly used. The placement of the adverb "thoroughly" before the verb "cleaned" emphasizes the extent of the cleaning.