to tidy up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to tidy up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of cleaning or organizing a space or items. Example: "Before the guests arrive, I need to tidy up the living room and kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're going to tidy up things.

The New York Times

I'm too afraid to tidy up our room.

The New Yorker

Ms. Burgin is happy to tidy up after her husband.

The New York Times

No, it is not feminist to tidy up after him.

Independent

3 Having to tidy up. 4 Decca getting cancer".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You don't need to tidy up for me," she said.

The New Yorker

She said she believed he was going to tidy up their cluttered home.

Independent

He came to office pledging to tidy up the somewhat meandering diplomacy of Bill Clinton.

The Economist

In March the bank regulator urged banks to tidy up their off-balance-sheet investments.

The Economist

Mr. Vignelli had used his design skills to tidy up reality.

The New York Times - Arts

Halfway through the Fringe, and need to tidy up your own fringe?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to tidy up" when you want to convey both cleaning and organizing, especially in domestic or personal contexts. For instance, "I need to tidy up my room before my parents arrive".

Common error

Avoid using "to tidy up" in highly formal or professional settings where more precise language is expected. Instead of saying "We need to tidy up the financial reports", opt for "We need to reconcile the financial reports" for clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to tidy up" functions as an infinitive, commonly acting as a verb in sentences describing the action of cleaning and organizing. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, from personal spaces to abstract situations like improving processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

26%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to tidy up" is a common and generally accepted expression for describing the act of cleaning and organizing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, primarily in news and media and in wiki style content. While versatile, it's best suited for informal or neutral settings, with more formal options available for professional or academic writing. The phrase is widely understood and easily incorporated into everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to clean up

Focuses more on removing dirt and mess, while "to tidy up" includes organizing.

to organize

Emphasizes arranging items in a neat and orderly manner, which is a component of tidying.

to straighten up

Implies making something neat and orderly, often after it has been disorganized.

to neaten

A more concise way of saying "to make tidy".

to spruce up

Suggests making something more attractive or presentable, going beyond simple tidying.

to clear away

Focuses on removing items from a space, often in preparation for another activity.

to sort out

Implies organizing and resolving any problems or mess.

to arrange

Focuses specifically on the placement of items.

to put in order

Emphasizes establishing a systematic arrangement.

to groom

Similar usage in the sense of 'cleaning' or 'preparing' something.

FAQs

How can I use "to tidy up" in a sentence?

You can use "to tidy up" to describe the action of cleaning and organizing a space. For example, "I need to "to tidy up" my desk before I start working", or "She asked him "to tidy up" the living room after the party".

What are some alternatives to "to tidy up"?

Alternatives include "to clean up", "to organize", "to straighten up", or "to neaten", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "to tidy up" formal or informal?

"To tidy up" is generally considered informal and is best suited for everyday conversation and writing. In more formal contexts, consider using "to organize" or "to arrange".

What's the difference between "to tidy up" and "to clean up"?

"To clean up" primarily focuses on removing dirt and mess. While ""to tidy up"" includes cleaning, it also emphasizes organizing and arranging items to make a space neater and more orderly.