What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
degrease
Example
I need to degrease the oven before I can start cooking. [degrease: verb]
Example
The mechanic used a degreaser to clean the engine. [degreaser: noun]
clean
Example
I need to clean my room before my guests arrive. [clean: verb]
Example
She used a cleaning solution to wipe down the counters. [cleaning: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clean is a more commonly used word than degrease in everyday language. Clean is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while degrease is more specific and limited in scope.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between degrease and clean?
Both degrease and clean can be used in formal and informal contexts, but degrease may be more commonly used in technical or specialized settings.