What's the Difference Between 'Clean Up' and 'Cleanup'?

In this blog post we look at when to use clean up and when to use cleanup.

'Clean Up' or 'Cleanup'?

"Cleanup" and "clean up" are similar phrases, but there is a difference in their usage.

"Clean up" is a verb phrase that means to make something neat, tidy, or free of clutter or dirt. It can also be used to refer to the act of removing or disposing of something that is dirty or unwanted.

"Cleanup" is a noun that refers to the act of cleaning something, especially a large area or a mess. It can also be used to refer to the process of removing or disposing of something that is dirty or unwanted.

In general, “clean up” is used as a verb whilst “cleanup” is a noun.

The word "clean up" is more commonly used in everyday speech, while "cleanup" is more often used in formal or technical contexts. However, both phrases can be used interchangeably in many situations.

Here are some examples of "cleanup" and "clean up" in use:

  • "Cleanup" (noun):

    • "The city is organizing a cleanup campaign to remove litter from the streets."

    • "The company is responsible for the cleanup of the oil spill."

  • "Clean up" (verb phrase):

    • "I'm going to clean up the living room before my friends come over."

    • "We need to clean up the oil spill before it causes more damage to the environment."

    • "I can't believe how dirty this room is. We need to clean up before the party starts."

Examples of Clean Up in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the phrase "clean up":

  1. "I'm going to clean up the kitchen before we sit down to dinner."

  2. "We need to clean up the backyard before the party starts."

  3. "The city is organizing a clean-up campaign to remove litter from the streets."

  4. "I'm tired of looking at this mess. Let's clean up and get organized."

  5. "The company is responsible for cleaning up the oil spill."

  6. "I can't believe how dirty this room is. We need to clean up before the party starts."

  7. "The janitor is responsible for cleaning up the classrooms after school."

  8. "We spent the whole day cleaning up the garage."

  9. "The government is planning a major clean-up of the river to improve the water quality."

  10. "After the party, we'll have to clean up the mess in the living room."

Examples of Cleanup in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the word "cleanup":

  1. "The city is organizing a cleanup campaign to remove litter from the streets."

  2. "The company is responsible for the cleanup of the oil spill."

  3. "The janitor is responsible for the cleanup of the classrooms after school."

  4. "We spent the whole day on the cleanup of the garage."

  5. "The government is planning a major cleanup of the river to improve the water quality."

  6. "After the party, we'll have to do the cleanup of the living room."

  7. "The cleanup crew is working to remove the debris from the site of the accident."

  8. "The event organizers hired a professional cleanup team to handle the post-event cleanup."

  9. "The cleanup process is expected to take several weeks."

  10. "We need to schedule a cleanup day to tidy up the office."


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Clean Up or Cleanup
Clean Up or Cleanup