What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cleanly
Example
She cleaned the kitchen so cleanly that it sparkled. [cleanly: adverb]
Example
He always keeps his workspace cleanly organized. [cleanly: adjective]
neatly
Example
She neatly folded the clothes and placed them in the drawer. [neatly: adverb]
Example
He always dresses neatly for work, with his shirt tucked in and shoes polished. [neatly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Neatly is more commonly used than cleanly in everyday language. Neatly is versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, including both physical appearance and organization. Cleanly, on the other hand, is less common and is primarily used to describe the act of cleaning or tidying.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cleanly and neatly?
Both cleanly and neatly can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cleanly is more commonly associated with a formal tone when used to describe cleanliness and tidiness, while neatly can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe organization and appearance.
