This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A2 verb 4 min read

to clean

When you clean something, you make it nice and tidy.

It means you take away all the dirt.

For example, you can clean your room.

You can also clean your shoes to make them look new.

It makes things look much better!

Practice it

§ What does it mean and when do people use it?

The verb “to clean” is a very common and useful word in English. At its core, it means to make something free from dirt or marks. Think about anything that gets messy – your house, your clothes, your car, or even yourself! When you make these things tidy and spotless, you are “cleaning” them. It's an action we perform regularly in our daily lives to maintain hygiene, order, and appearance.
DEFINITION
To make something free from dirt or marks.
Let's break down the different ways and situations in which we use “to clean.”

§ Cleaning Your Environment

One of the most frequent uses of “to clean” is when we talk about tidying up our surroundings. This can be your home, your office, or any public space. It involves removing dust, dirt, spills, and clutter to make the area fresh and presentable.

I need to clean my apartment before my guests arrive.

Could you please clean the kitchen after dinner?

When you “clean” a room, you might do things like vacuum the floor, wipe surfaces, dust furniture, or wash windows. The goal is to make it look, feel, and sometimes even smell better.

§ Cleaning Personal Items

We also use “to clean” for things we own and use regularly. This includes our clothes, dishes, cars, and even personal gadgets. Keeping these items clean extends their lifespan and keeps them hygienic.
  • Clothes: When your clothes are dirty, you wash them, which is a form of cleaning.

I need to clean my dirty shirts.

  • Dishes: After eating, you “clean” the dishes, usually by washing them with soap and water.

It’s your turn to clean the dishes tonight.

  • Cars: To remove mud, dust, or other marks from your car, you “clean” it, often by washing it.

My car is so dirty; I should really clean it this weekend.

§ Cleaning Oneself

When we talk about personal hygiene, “to clean” also plays a role, though we often use more specific verbs like “wash” or “bathe.” However, “clean” can still be used generally.

After working in the garden, I need to clean myself up.

This implies taking a shower, washing your hands, or generally making yourself presentable after getting dirty.

§ Why is it important to clean?

Cleaning is important for several reasons:
  • Hygiene: It removes germs and bacteria, helping to prevent illness.
  • Appearance: Clean environments and objects look better and create a more pleasant atmosphere.
  • Maintenance: Regular cleaning can help preserve items and spaces, preventing wear and tear.
  • Order: Cleaning often involves tidying up, which helps create a sense of order and reduces stress.

§ Common phrases and collocations with “to clean”

You'll often hear “to clean” used with specific nouns:
  • Clean up: This phrasal verb means to make something tidy or orderly after a mess.

Please clean up your room.

  • Clean out: This means to remove unnecessary items from a space.

I need to clean out my closet; it's full of old clothes.

  • Clean off: This is used when you remove something from a surface.

Can you clean off the table after breakfast?

In summary, “to clean” is a fundamental verb used to describe the action of making things free from dirt or marks. It's a versatile word that applies to a wide range of contexts, from maintaining your home to taking care of your personal belongings and even yourself. Mastering its use will greatly enhance your ability to communicate about everyday tasks and situations.

Word Family

Nouns

cleaner a person or thing that cleans
cleaning the act of making something clean
cleanser a liquid, cream, or powder used for cleaning
cleanliness the state of being clean

Verbs

cleanse to make something thoroughly clean

Adjectives

clean free from dirt or marks
cleanable able to be cleaned

Test Yourself 6 questions

multiple choice B2

After the party, it took hours to ___ the entire house.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: clean

To 'clean' means to make something free from dirt or marks. The other options have the opposite meaning or are not suitable in this context.

multiple choice B2

She used a special solution to ___ the stubborn stains from the carpet.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: cleanse

'Cleanse' is a more formal synonym for 'clean', often implying a thorough or purifying action. The other options are incorrect in this context.

multiple choice B2

The city council launched a campaign to ___ up the local park.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: clean

The phrasal verb 'clean up' means to make a place tidy and free of dirt or rubbish. The other options are antonyms or inappropriate.

true false B2

If you 'clean' something, you are making it dirty.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

To 'clean' something means to make it free from dirt or marks, the opposite of making it dirty.

true false B2

Washing dishes is an example of cleaning.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: True

Washing dishes involves removing food residue and dirt, which is a form of cleaning.

true false B2

To 'cleanse' a wound means to make it infected.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

To 'cleanse' a wound means to remove dirt and bacteria to prevent infection, not to cause it.

/ 6 correct

Perfect score!

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

そうじする Japanese
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!