Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the verb 'scour' mean?
What does the verb 'scour' mean?
Using 'up' with cleaning verbs generally implies what?
Using 'up' with cleaning verbs generally implies what?
Which phrase means extremely clean, often to the point where it's acceptable to eat off the floor?
Which phrase means extremely clean, often to the point where it's acceptable to eat off the floor?
What does it mean when something is described as 'immaculate'?
What does it mean when something is described as 'immaculate'?
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Which cleaning verb implies that unwanted items are being removed from a space?
Which cleaning verb implies that unwanted items are being removed from a space?
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Which of the following is NOT commonly paired with 'out' when speaking about cleaning actions?
Which of the following is NOT commonly paired with 'out' when speaking about cleaning actions?
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What does the phrase 'as clean as a whistle' imply?
What does the phrase 'as clean as a whistle' imply?
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Which word describes something very organized or tidy?
Which word describes something very organized or tidy?
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Which cleaning verb can be frequently used with 'out' to denote removing dirt from the inside of an object?
Which cleaning verb can be frequently used with 'out' to denote removing dirt from the inside of an object?
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What does the term 'shipshape' signify in relation to cleanliness?
What does the term 'shipshape' signify in relation to cleanliness?
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What does the verb 'to wipe' specifically refer to in cleaning?
What does the verb 'to wipe' specifically refer to in cleaning?
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Which verb describes the act of removing unwanted items from an area?
Which verb describes the act of removing unwanted items from an area?
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What is NOT a meaning of cleaning verbs when paired with 'up'?
What is NOT a meaning of cleaning verbs when paired with 'up'?
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Which of the following phrases indicates a high standard of cleanliness?
Which of the following phrases indicates a high standard of cleanliness?
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What does it mean to 'tidy' in the context of cleaning?
What does it mean to 'tidy' in the context of cleaning?
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What action does 'to dust' specifically refer to?
What action does 'to dust' specifically refer to?
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What is the primary meaning of the verb 'to mop'?
What is the primary meaning of the verb 'to mop'?
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Which cleaning action can be seen as unnecessary when used with 'out'?
Which cleaning action can be seen as unnecessary when used with 'out'?
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In British English, what does the term 'Hoover' commonly refer to?
In British English, what does the term 'Hoover' commonly refer to?
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When someone is 'scrubbing', what type of action are they performing?
When someone is 'scrubbing', what type of action are they performing?
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Which cleaning verb is specifically about making surfaces shiny using a cloth?
Which cleaning verb is specifically about making surfaces shiny using a cloth?
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What does the term 'to clear' imply in a cleaning context?
What does the term 'to clear' imply in a cleaning context?
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What is implied by the cleaning action 'to hang'?
What is implied by the cleaning action 'to hang'?
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Which action is described by 'to wash'?
Which action is described by 'to wash'?
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What does the verb 'to sweep' usually involve?
What does the verb 'to sweep' usually involve?
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What is the purpose of 'setting the table'?
What is the purpose of 'setting the table'?
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Why is the act of polishing significant in cleaning?
Why is the act of polishing significant in cleaning?
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Which of the following actions requires a vacuum cleaner?
Which of the following actions requires a vacuum cleaner?
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Study Notes
Cleaning Verbs & Phrasal Verbs
- Wipe: To clean or dry something by rubbing it with something like a cloth.
- Clean: To make something clean; free from marks and dirt.
- Clear: To remove unwanted items or objects. This is different from cleaning, which focuses on removing marks and dirt.
- Sweep: To clean an area by brushing away dirt or litter.
- Wash: To clean with water, often with soap or detergent. Cleaning dishes involves plates, cutlery, and other kitchen utensils; pans might also need cleaning. Non-stick pans require careful washing to avoid scratching the surface.
- Hang: To suspend something from the top, allowing the bottom part to dangle.
- Hoover/Vacuum: To clean with a vacuum cleaner. "Hoover" is common in British English due to the brand's dominance in the past.
- Tidy: To organize or arrange something neatly, putting items in their proper place.
- Mop: To clean something by soaking up water or liquid.
- Polish: To make a surface smooth and shiny by rubbing it with a cloth. Setting the table involves preparing the table with plates, cutlery, napkins, etc.
- Scrub: To rub something hard with a brush and water to clean it.
- Scour: To clean something very hard, often with an abrasive or detergent.
- Dust: To remove dust or dirt from a surface by wiping or brushing it.
Cleaning Phrasal Verbs
- Most cleaning verbs can be used with the preposition "up" to emphasize the action, but not change its meaning. For example, "clean up" simply means to clean something thoroughly.
- The preposition "out" is used with some verbs to imply removal of unwanted items or substances from within something. -"Wipe out" (the inside of a bag, lunchbox, etc) -"Clean out" or "Clear out" (a room, garage to remove items). -"Hang out" (washing) in this case, just means hanging the washing to dry. The other actions below are not commonly used with the preposition 'out'. -"Hoover out", "vacuum out", "wash out", "sweep out" (remove dust/dirt from inside of something).
- The verbs "tidy," "mop" "polish," "scrub," "scour" and "dust" are not commonly used with the "out" preposition.
Vocabulary for Cleanliness
- Spotless: Extremely clean, with no visible spots or marks.
- Immaculate: Absolutely perfect and clean; very tidy.
- Orderly: Organized and tidy; everything in its place.
- Shipshape: In excellent order and clean.
Phrases for Cleanliness
- As clean as a whistle: Extremely clean.
- As neat as a pin: Extremely neat and tidy.
- Spic and span: Very clean.
- You could eat off the floor: (Figurative) The floor is so clean it's safe to eat off.
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Description
Test your understanding of various cleaning verbs and phrasal verbs with this quiz. Identify the correct meanings and uses for verbs like 'wipe', 'sweep', and 'mop'. This quiz will enhance your vocabulary related to cleaning activities.
