Differences between clean up and clear up
Clean up usually means to make something clean or tidy, whereas clear up generally means to clarify or resolve a confusion or misunderstanding.
Meanings and Definitions: clean up vs clear up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Clean up
- 1Tidy and clean.
CLEAN this bedroom UP; it's a disgrace.
- 2Profit, sometimes suddenly.
At the horse races yesterday we really CLEANED UP.
Clear up
- 1Cure or recover from an infection.
I took the antihistamines and the rash CLEARED UP right away.
- 2Tidy up.
I'd better CLEAR AWAY the mess before leave.
- 3Explain.
Could you CLEAR these points UP before we go any further?
- 4Improve ( weather ).
The skies CLEARED UP and the sun came out.
Usage Examples: clean up, clear up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
clean up
Example
Please clean up your room before your friends come over.
Example
She cleans up the kitchen after dinner every night.
clear up
Example
Please clear up the mess in the kitchen.
Example
She always clears up her room before going to bed.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Clean up
tidy up
To make something neat and organized by putting things in their proper place.
Example
Before the guests arrived, she quickly tidied up the living room and put away the toys.
spruce up
To improve the appearance of something by making it look cleaner, fresher, or more attractive.
Example
They decided to spruce up the garden by planting new flowers and adding some outdoor furniture.
straighten up
To make something orderly and neat by arranging things properly.
Example
He asked his son to straighten up his room before going out to play with his friends.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Clear up
To resolve or reach an agreement on a dispute or misunderstanding.
Example
They finally settled their differences and decided to work together on the project.
To make something clear or understandable by providing information or details.
Example
Could you please explain the instructions again? I didn't quite understand them.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “clean”
Phrasal Verbs with “clear”
Differences in clean up vs clear up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: clean up or clear up?
In daily conversation, people use clean up more often than clear up. This is because clean up is used for more daily tasks and routines such as cleaning the house or organizing a messy room. Clear up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about resolving a confusion or misunderstanding. So, while both phrases are used, clean up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of clean up and clear up
Clean up and clear up 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 up and clear up
The tone of clean up and clear up can differ based on context. Clean up often carries a practical and straightforward tone when related to cleaning or organizing, while clear up typically has a more serious and urgent tone, especially when referring to resolving a confusion or misunderstanding.
