Differences between clean out and clear out
Clean out usually means to remove dirt, dust, or unwanted items from a space or container, whereas clear out generally means to empty a space or container of its contents.
Meanings and Definitions: clean out vs clear out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Clean out
- 1Tidy up thoroughly and throw away unwanted things..
I really must CLEAN the study OUT; there's stuff all over the floor and piles of paper everywhere.
- 2Cause someone to spend all their money.
The holiday CLEANED me OUT- I'm broke till the end of the month.
Clear out
- 1Tidy up thoroughly and throw away unwanted stuff..
I spent the whole weekend CLEARING OUT the attic as it was full of papers and other junk.
- 2Leave somewhere.
I told them to CLEAR OUT because they were making so much noise.
Usage Examples: clean out, clear out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
clean out
Example
I need to clean out my closet; it's full of clothes I don't wear anymore.
Example
She cleans out her garage every spring.
clear out
Example
I need to clear out my room before the guests arrive.
Example
She clears out her wardrobe every season.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Clean out
tidy up
To clean and organize a space or area.
Example
She spent the weekend tidying up her apartment and getting rid of old clothes.
To get rid of something unwanted or unnecessary.
Example
He decided to purge his closet of clothes he hadn't worn in over a year.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Clear out
empty out
To remove all the contents from a space or container.
Example
They had to empty out the storage unit before moving to a new city.
To leave or remove people or things from a dangerous or undesirable situation.
Example
The police ordered residents to evacuate their homes due to the approaching wildfire.
To leave or move out of a space or property.
Example
The tenants had to vacate the apartment by the end of the month due to the landlord's request.
Differences in clean out vs clear out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: clean out or clear out?
In daily conversation, people use clean out and clear out with similar frequency. Both phrases are used for cleaning or organizing spaces or containers. However, clean out is more commonly used for removing dirt or unwanted items, while clear out is more commonly used for emptying a space or container.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of clean out and clear out
Clean out and clear out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of clean out and clear out
The tone of clean out and clear out can differ based on context. Clean out often carries a practical or determined tone when related to cleaning or organizing, while clear out typically has a more urgent or forceful tone, especially when referring to emptying a space quickly.
