What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hosing
Example
I'm hosing down the driveway to remove the dirt and leaves. [hosing: present participle]
Example
He hosed off the car after driving through the mud. [hosed: past tense]
cleaning
Example
I'm cleaning the kitchen before guests arrive. [cleaning: present participle]
Example
She cleaned the bathroom thoroughly over the weekend. [cleaned: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cleaning is more commonly used than hosing in everyday language. Cleaning is a versatile term that covers a wide range of activities, while hosing is more specific and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hosing and cleaning?
While cleaning can be used in both formal and informal contexts, hosing is typically associated with a more casual and informal tone, and is less likely to be used in formal situations.