What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
neater
Example
She has a neater handwriting than I do. [neater: comparative adjective]
Example
He always keeps his desk neater than anyone else in the office. [neater: comparative adjective]
tidier
Example
I need to make my room tidier before my guests arrive. [tidier: comparative adjective]
Example
She is much tidier than her sister when it comes to keeping the kitchen clean. [tidier: comparative adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tidier is more commonly used than neater in everyday language. Tidier is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while neater is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between neater and tidier?
Both neater and tidier are relatively informal words, but neater can sometimes imply a sense of precision and formality due to its emphasis on orderliness and attention to detail.