Differences between clean out and drive out
Clean out means to remove all the contents from a container or space, while drive out means to force someone or something to leave a place.
Meanings and Definitions: clean out vs drive 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.
Drive out
- 1Force someone to leave a place.
The soldiers DROVE them OUT of their homes.
Usage Examples: clean out, drive 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.
drive out
Example
The villagers tried to drive out the wild animals from their crops.
Example
He drives out the intruders from his property.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Clean out
empty out
To remove all the contents from a container or space.
Example
She had to empty out her backpack to find her missing phone.
tidy up
To clean and organize a space, making it neat and orderly.
Example
She spent the afternoon tidying up her apartment before her guests arrived.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Drive out
To force someone to leave a place or organization.
Example
The school principal decided to expel the student for repeated misbehavior.
To force someone or something out of a place or vehicle.
Example
The bouncer had to eject the rowdy customer from the bar.
To send someone away from a place as a punishment or to keep them away.
Example
The king decided to banish the traitor from the kingdom forever.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “clean”
Phrasal Verbs with “drive”
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Differences in clean out vs drive out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: clean out or drive out?
In daily conversation, people use clean out more often than drive out. This is because clean out is used for more routine tasks such as cleaning out a closet or fridge. Drive out is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about forcing someone or something to leave a place. So, while both phrases are used, clean out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of clean out and drive out
Clean out and drive 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 drive out
The tone of clean out and drive out can differ based on context. Clean out often carries a practical and efficient tone when related to cleaning or organizing, while drive out typically has a forceful and aggressive tone, especially when referring to removing people or animals from a place.
