to be cleaned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be cleaned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that needs to be cleaned. For example, "The kitchen floor needs to be cleaned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It needs to be cleaned.

The Economist

It needs to be cleaned up.

The New York Times

First they need to be cleaned.

Independent

They just need to be cleaned up".

The New York Times

Instead, it needs to be cleaned.

The Economist

These sites need to be cleaned".

Independent

It had to be "cleaned up".

Cornell University

It certainly needs to be cleaned up.

The New York Times

Those need to be cleaned up".

The New York Times - Sports

Therefore, the reticles need to be cleaned before use.

Microelectronic Engineering

But how often does your home need to be cleaned?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task or responsibility, use "to be cleaned" to clearly indicate the need for cleaning action. For example, "The equipment is scheduled "to be cleaned" every Friday."

Common error

Avoid using "to be cleaned" excessively in passive voice sentences. Over-reliance on passive voice can make your writing sound indirect and less engaging. Instead, opt for active constructions when possible. For instance, instead of "The windows need "to be cleaned" by the staff", try "The staff needs to clean the windows".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be cleaned" functions primarily as part of a passive infinitive construction, indicating that something is the recipient of a cleaning action. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable. Examples show it describing items or areas needing cleaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

28%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be cleaned" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, affirming it is suitable for describing items or areas that require cleaning. It functions as part of a passive infinitive construction, primarily indicating a need or requirement for cleaning across various contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig's numerous examples. While it appears most frequently in news, media, and wiki sources, its neutral register makes it versatile for broader applications. Remember to balance its use with active voice constructions for clearer and more engaging writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requiring cleaning

Focuses on the necessity of cleaning, emphasizing the requirement aspect.

needing to be cleansed

Uses "cleansed" to suggest a more thorough or spiritual cleaning.

that must be purified

Emphasizes the removal of impurities, implying a need for purification.

awaiting sanitation

Highlights the aspect of sanitation, focusing on hygiene and health.

requiring disinfection

Specifically targets the need for disinfection, usually in a medical or hygienic context.

in need of tidying

Suggests a less intense cleaning, focusing on organizing and tidying up.

slated for cleaning

Implies that the cleaning has been scheduled or planned.

designated for washing

Specifically indicates that the object or area is meant to be washed.

prepared for scrubbing

Highlights the action of scrubbing as the primary cleaning method.

ready for laundering

Applies specifically to items that are suitable for laundering, such as clothes or linens.

FAQs

How can I use "to be cleaned" in a sentence?

You can use "to be cleaned" to describe something that requires cleaning. For example, "This room needs "to be cleaned" before the guests arrive".

What are some alternatives to "to be cleaned"?

Alternatives include "requiring cleaning", "needing to be cleansed", or "that must be purified", depending on the specific context and the level of cleanliness you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to be cleaned" or "to clean"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "To be cleaned" is generally used in passive constructions, while "to clean" is used in active constructions. For example, "The car needs to be cleaned" (passive) versus "I need to clean the car" (active).

What is the difference between "to be cleaned" and "to be sanitized"?

"To be cleaned" generally refers to the removal of visible dirt and grime. "To be sanitized" implies reducing the number of germs to a safe level. While something can "to be cleaned" without being sanitized, sanitization often follows cleaning.