student asking question

What does "off" do in "clean off"? Is it okay to use just "clean" here? and how's it different from "clean up"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Great question! The "off" in "clean off" means to return a surface or object to its original state by brushing, scrubbing, rubbing, etc. the grime or dirt that is on that surface or object. For example, if you "clean off" a countertop, you are removing food, dishes, napkins, etc. from the counter top's surface. Ex: I need you to clean off your desks before you leave. Ex: Will you please clean off the stove after you are done using it? To answer your second question, yes it is okay to use "clean" here. However, saying just "clean" takes away the seriousness of his question. In this video, he hates the graffiti that is on the wall of his son's daycare; he wants it cleaned as soon as possible. Saying "clean this up" shows urgency in the question. Ex: I need you to clean this window. Ex: Please clean this lamp. There is a slight difference between "clean up" and "clean off." "Clean up" means to clean completely; to make things more orderly. "Clean off" means to remove a mess from something. The phrase "clean up" is a little more versatile to use than "clean off." Ex: Clean up this mess. Ex: She needed to clean up her room before going to her friend's house.

Popular Q&As

04/17

Complete the expression with a quiz!