What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clean
Example
She always keeps her room clean and tidy. [clean: adjective]
Example
I need to clean the kitchen before guests arrive. [clean: verb]
neat
Example
He has a neat and organized desk with everything in its place. [neat: adjective]
Example
She neatly folded the clothes and put them away in the drawer. [neatly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clean is more commonly used than neat in everyday language. Clean is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while neat is slightly less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clean and neat?
While both clean and neat can be used in both formal and informal contexts, neat has a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with meticulousness and attention to detail.
