Learn how to use the comparative “cleaner” and superlative “cleanest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “cleanish”?

The comparative form of “cleanish” is “cleaner”.

Example

The kitchen is cleaner than the bathroom.

Example

She made her room cleaner by organizing her belongings.

What is the superlative form of “cleanish”?

The superlative form of “cleanish” is “cleanest”.

Example

Among all the rooms, the bathroom is the cleanest.

Example

The hotel prides itself on having the cleanest facilities.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with clean, cleaner, and cleanest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more clean' and 'most clean' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, cleaner and cleanest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Clean does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: CleanCleaner Superlative: CleanCleanest

Expressions with similar meanings to “cleaner”

Used to describe something that is cleaner and more organized

Example

Her desk is always neater than mine.

Similar to neater, this emphasizes cleanliness and orderliness

Example

The living room is much tidier after she cleaned it.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased cleanliness and hygiene

Example

The hospital has implemented more sanitary practices to prevent the spread of infections.

Expressions with similar meanings to “cleanest”

Similar to cleanest, this emphasizes both cleanliness and organization

Example

Out of all the students, she has the neatest locker.

Used to describe the highest level of cleanliness and orderliness

Example

Her kitchen is always the tidiest in the neighborhood.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of cleanliness and hygiene

Example

The restaurant has been recognized for having the most sanitary kitchen in the city.

Using than with comparative “cleaner”

When using the comparative form cleaner to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "His room is cleaner than mine." Here, than is used to show that the level of cleanliness in 'his' room is greater than the level of cleanliness in 'mine'.

How can I use this expression in context?

“cleaner” and “cleanest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Household Chores

    She made the kitchen cleaner than it was before.

    She made the kitchen cleaner than it was before.

  • 2Personal Hygiene

    He brushed his teeth to make them cleaner.

    He brushed his teeth to make them cleaner.

  • 3Environment

    The park is cleaner after the volunteers picked up the trash.

    The park is cleaner after the volunteers picked up the trash.

  • 4Healthcare

    The hospital strives to maintain the cleanest environment for patient safety.

    The hospital strives to maintain the cleanest environment for patient safety.

  • 5Food Preparation

    The chef ensures that the kitchen is always the cleanest before starting to cook.

    The chef ensures that the kitchen is always the cleanest before starting to cook.

Related idioms and phrases

Clean as a whistle

Completely clean or pure.

Example

After scrubbing the floors, they were clean as a whistle.

Clean slate

Starting fresh without any past mistakes or problems.

Example

After apologizing, he wanted a clean slate with his friend.

Clean sweep

To completely eliminate or remove something.

Example

The team made a clean sweep of the competition, winning every game.

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