What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cleaning
Example
I spent the morning cleaning the house from top to bottom. [cleaning: noun]
Example
She cleans her room every weekend to keep it tidy. [cleans: verb]
mopping
Example
I need to do some mopping to get rid of these muddy footprints. [mopping: gerund or present participle]
Example
She mopped the kitchen floor after cooking dinner. [mopped: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cleaning is a more commonly used term in everyday language as it covers a wide range of cleaning activities. Mopping is a more specific term that is commonly used when referring to cleaning floors.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cleaning and mopping?
Both cleaning and mopping can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cleaning is a more versatile term that can be employed in various formality levels, while mopping is more commonly used in casual or informal situations.
