What does the phrasal verb “clean up after” mean?

What are the definitions of “clean up after”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To tidy or clean a space after someone or something.

  Of course the dog owner cleans up after his dirty dog as happily and naturally as the parent of a baby changes a nappy.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb clean up after is to tidy or clean a space after someone or something has made it messy or dirty. This can refer to cleaning up after a pet, a child, or even after a party.

What are the different verb forms of “clean up after”?

Root Verb	clean up after
Third Person Singular Present	cleans up after
Present Participle	cleaning up after
Simple Past	cleaned up after
Past Participle	cleaned up after

Example

I always clean up after my dog when we go for a walk.

Example

She cleans up after her children every day.

Example

He is cleaning up after the party guests.

Example

Yesterday, they cleaned up after the picnic in the park.

Example

The mess has been cleaned up after the event.

What kind of phrasal verb is “clean up after”?

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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 up after” 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 up after her kids.

Example

He cleaned up after the party.

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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 up after” 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 up after her kids.

Example

He cleaned up after the party.

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

Clean up after oneself

To tidy or clean up one's own mess or belongings.

Example

Please clean up after yourself when you finish using the kitchen.

Clean up after a pet

To remove and dispose of pet waste, especially when walking a dog in public.

Example

It's important to clean up after your dog to keep the neighborhood clean.

Clean up after an event

To tidy and clean a space after a gathering, such as a party or meeting.

Example

The volunteers cleaned up after the charity event.

Good things to know

Does “clean up after” have an informal or formal tone?

Clean up after 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 up after”?

Synonyms

• neaten
• organize
• tidy up
• straighten up
• pick up
• clear up
• put in order

Antonyms

• disorder
• disarrange
• clutter
• litter
• dirty
• mess up