Do You Need the Article ‘the’ With the Expression ‘Do the Cleaning’?
In everyday English, we use the expression “do the cleaning” (with the article “the”) to speak about the process of making a house or an office clean.
In everyday English, we use the expression “do the cleaning” (with the article “the”) to speak about the process of making a house or an office clean.
Did you do the cleaning yesterday?
We add the article even if we refer to this activity in a general way.
Doing the cleaning is not something I enjoy.
1. The Expression ‘Do the Cleaning’
We often use the phrase “do the cleaning” (with the definite article “the”) to refer to the task of removing the dirt from places, such as a house or an office.
It’s my turn to do the cleaning.
I do the cleaning myself at home.
We normally include the article even if we are talking about it in a general sense.
Doing the cleaning is not always easy.
I usually do the cleaning on Saturdays.
But no article is used to introduce the single word cleaning in a general way.
Cleaning is necessary for a healthy home.
2. Alternatives
Instead of saying “do the cleaning”, you can just use the verb “clean” or “clean up”.
Have you cleaned your room yet?
Do you know a smart way to clean your home?
Other related expressions are:
- keep something clean
- wipe something clean
- sweep something clean
- scrub something clean
- leave something clean
Examples:
It is important to keep your kitchen clean.
Olivia swept the floor clean.
