What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sweep
Example
I need to sweep the kitchen floor before guests arrive. [sweep: verb]
Example
The storm swept through the town, leaving destruction in its wake. [swept: past tense]
clean
Example
I need to clean the windows because they are covered in grime. [clean: verb]
Example
The house is so clean after the spring cleaning. [clean: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clean is more commonly used than sweep in everyday language. Clean is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while sweep is more specific and often used in certain situations, such as sweeping a floor or sweeping leaves in a garden.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sweep and clean?
Both sweep and clean can be used in formal and informal contexts, but clean may be more commonly used in professional or business settings where hygiene and cleanliness are important.
