to clear things out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to clear things out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of organizing, removing unnecessary items, or clarifying a situation. Example: "We need to clear things out in the garage before we can start the renovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"My husband was a pack rat, and I was trying to clear things out".

The New York Times

Biggest problem with the apartment: Mainly I always want to clear things out and have a garage sale.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe this is what exorcism is: a way to give comfort to the disturbed, a little bit of spiritual catharsis to clear things out.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Talking to them and clearing things out will help you know what is the problem.

WikiHow

Many developers assumed that they would have at least until the release of iOS 6 to clear things up, but that turned out to be too optimistic.

TechCrunch

I try (typing) the right stuff in 5 times and it just keeps clearing things out for me to type them in again.

TechCrunch

The BBC's Mark Dummett in Delhi says that 1,000 extra people have been sent into the village to clear things up, but that time is running out.

BBC

"It's a moment of clearing things out," he said, calling his practice time "nutrition".

The New York Times

When the client finally cleared things out, she not only addressed her psychological issues but also found a bonus.

The New York Times - Travel

Talk to them and clear things out.

WikiHow

If you're struggling with a big hoard of little fasteners and other bits, though, it might be a good idea to start clearing things out.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to clear things out" when you want to emphasize both the physical act of removing items and the resulting sense of order and spaciousness. For example, "After the renovation, we need to "to clear things out" so we can enjoy the new space."

Common error

While "to clear things out" is acceptable in many situations, consider using more formal alternatives like "to organize" or "to resolve" in professional documents or academic papers. Choose the phrase that best suits the tone and register of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to clear things out" functions as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It commonly acts as a verb describing the action of removing clutter or resolving issues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to clear things out" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb with a neutral register. Ludwig AI validates its usability, confirming that this phrase typically conveys removing items or resolving issues. While it appears frequently in news and media, and wiki contexts, its appropriateness in formal settings should be carefully considered. Alternative phrases like "to declutter" or "to organize" might be more suitable for professional or academic writing. Ultimately, using "to clear things out" depends on the desired tone and the specific context of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to declutter

Focuses specifically on removing unnecessary items to reduce clutter.

to organize

Emphasizes arranging items systematically.

to tidy up

Refers to making a place or situation neater and more organized.

to sort through

Implies examining a collection of items and organizing them.

to get rid of

Focuses on discarding unwanted items.

to remove

Suggests taking something away from a place.

to eliminate

Highlights the complete removal of something.

to resolve issues

Shifts the focus to resolving problems or misunderstandings.

to clarify matters

Emphasizes making something clearer or easier to understand.

to make space

Indicates creating physical or metaphorical room.

FAQs

What does "to clear things out" mean?

The phrase "to clear things out" generally means to remove items, declutter a space, or resolve a situation. It implies getting rid of unwanted or unnecessary items or clarifying a confusing situation.

How can I use "to clear things out" in a sentence?

You can use "to clear things out" in a sentence like this: "I'm planning "to clear things out" this weekend to make more room in my closet."

What's the difference between "to clear things out" and "to sort things out"?

"To clear things out" usually refers to physical removal and decluttering, while "to sort things out" often implies resolving problems or clarifying a situation.

Are there any synonyms for "to clear things out"?

Yes, some synonyms for "to clear things out" include "to declutter", "to organize", "to tidy up", or "to remove", depending on the specific context.