What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wipe
Example
She wiped the table clean with a damp cloth. [wiped: past tense]
Example
He wiped his tears away with a tissue. [wiped: past participle]
clean
Example
I need to clean my room before my guests arrive. [clean: verb]
Example
The kitchen is sparkling clean after I scrubbed the counters. [clean: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clean is more commonly used than wipe in everyday language. Clean is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, from personal hygiene to household cleaning. Wipe, on the other hand, is less common and usually used in specific contexts, such as wiping a surface or erasing something.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wipe and clean?
Clean is a more formal word than wipe. While wipe is often used in casual or informal situations, clean can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and tone of the conversation.
