What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sweeper
Example
The sweeper did a great job cleaning the floors of the office building. [sweeper: noun]
Example
The street sweeper drove by and cleaned up all the leaves on the sidewalk. [sweeper: noun]
Example
The team won the championship with a perfect record, sweeping all their opponents. [sweeping: gerund or present participle]
cleaner
Example
The cleaner came every week to tidy up the house and do the laundry. [cleaner: noun]
Example
I used a cleaner to remove the coffee stain from my shirt. [cleaner: noun]
Example
The carpet looks brand new after using the steam cleaner. [cleaner: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cleaner is more commonly used than sweeper in everyday language. Cleaner is a versatile word that covers a wide range of cleaning tasks and surfaces, while sweeper is more specific and often used in certain contexts, such as sports or street cleaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sweeper and cleaner?
Both sweeper and cleaner can be used in various formality levels, depending on the context and situation. However, cleaner may be more commonly used in formal settings, such as professional cleaning services or workplace cleaning protocols.