What does the phrasal verb “clean out” mean?

What are the definitions of “clean out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Tidy 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.

• 2. Cause someone to spend all their money.

  The holiday CLEANED me OUT- I'm broke till the end of the month.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “clean out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb clean out is to tidy up a place thoroughly and throw away unwanted things. It often refers to organizing a messy or cluttered space, such as a room, closet, or drawer.

What are the different verb forms of “clean out”?

Root Verb	clean out
Third Person Singular Present	cleans out
Present Participle	cleaning out
Simple Past	cleaned out
Past Participle	cleaned 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.

Example

He is cleaning out his desk before leaving the job.

Example

Yesterday, they cleaned out the storage room.

Example

The attic has been cleaned out and organized.

What kind of phrasal verb is “clean out”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“clean out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She cleaned out her wardrobe.

Example

He cleaned the garage out over the weekend.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“clean out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She cleaned out her wardrobe.

Example

He cleaned the garage out over the weekend.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “clean out”?

Clean out your system

To detoxify or cleanse your body, often by eating healthier foods or following a specific diet.

Example

After the holidays, I need to clean out my system with a healthy eating plan.

Clean someone out

Cause someone to spend all their money, leaving them with little or no funds.

Example

The unexpected car repair cleaned me out, so I'll have to be careful with my spending this month.

Good things to know

Does “clean out” have an informal or formal tone?

Clean out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “clean out”?

Synonyms

• organize
• purge
• tidy up
• declutter
• clear out
• sort out
• empty

Antonyms

• clutter
• disorganize
• litter
• mess up
• fill up
• crowd