What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grooming
Example
I spend a lot of time grooming my hair every morning. [grooming: present participle]
Example
The dog show requires extensive grooming of the animals. [grooming: noun]
cleaning
Example
I need to start cleaning the kitchen before the guests arrive. [cleaning: present participle]
Example
We hired a cleaning service to help with the office maintenance. [cleaning: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cleaning is more commonly used than grooming in everyday language. Cleaning is a routine activity that is necessary for maintaining hygiene and cleanliness, while grooming is more specific to personal care and animal preparation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grooming and cleaning?
Both grooming and cleaning can be used in formal and informal contexts, but cleaning is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels.