Differences between mop up and sweep up
Mop up and sweep up are both used to describe cleaning up a mess, but mop up specifically refers to using a mop and water to clean a surface, while sweep up refers to using a broom or brush to gather debris from a surface.
Meanings and Definitions: mop up vs sweep up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Mop up
- 1Resolve a problem.
He was left to MOP UP the mess after they resigned.
- 2Kill or capture the last few enemy soldiers after a victory..
After the battle, it took them a couple of weeks to MOP UP the remaining rebels.
- 3Eat a sauce with bread to finish it.
The sauce was so delicious that I ordered some bread to MOP it UP.
- 4Remove a liquid that has been spilt.
I used a cloth to MOP UP the coffee I had knocked over.
Sweep up
- 1To clean or tidy up by using a broom or a vacuum cleaner.
I’m going to sweep up.
- 2To clean or tidy up by using a broom or brush.
Would you sweep up the broken glass?
Usage Examples: mop up, sweep up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
mop up
Example
I need to mop up the water on the floor.
Example
She mops up the spilled juice quickly.
sweep up
Example
Please sweep up the kitchen floor after dinner.
Example
She sweeps up the living room every day.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Mop up
clean up
To make a place or object clean and tidy by removing dirt, dust, or unwanted substances.
Example
After the party, we had to clean up the spilled drinks and food crumbs from the floor.
soak up
To absorb or take in a liquid or substance using a sponge or cloth.
Example
He used a towel to soak up the water from the bathroom floor after his shower.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sweep up
tidy up
To make a place or object neat and organized by putting things away or straightening them up.
Example
Before the guests arrived, she had to tidy up the living room and put away the toys.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “sweep”
Differences in mop up vs sweep up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: mop up or sweep up?
Both mop up and sweep up are commonly used in everyday conversation. However, sweep up is more commonly used for small messes like crumbs or dirt, while mop up is used for larger spills or messes that require more thorough cleaning.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of mop up and sweep up
Neither mop up nor sweep up are particularly formal phrases, and they can be used in most settings. However, if you want to convey a more formal tone, you could use alternative expressions such as 'clean up' or 'tidy up'.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of mop up and sweep up
The tone of mop up and sweep up is generally practical and straightforward, as they are used to describe a task that needs to be done. However, mop up can sometimes have a negative connotation if it's used to describe cleaning up a mess that was caused by someone's mistake or negligence.
