Differences between belong to and belong with

The main difference between belong to and belong with is that belong to is used to indicate ownership or membership, while belong with is used to describe a sense of compatibility or fitting in with a group or person.

Meanings and Definitions: belong to vs belong with

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Belong to

1Be a member.
He BELONGS TO a secret society.
2Be connected to a time, place, belief, thing, etc.
Their ideas BELONG TO the nineteenth century and seem old - fashioned now.

Belong with

1Be in the correct or appropriate location with other items.
Does this disc BELONG WITH those on the shelf?

Usage Examples: belong to, belong with in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

belong to

Example

She belongs to a book club that meets every month.

Example

He belongs to a secret society.

belong with

Example

Does this book belong with the others on the shelf?

Example

This painting belongs with the collection in the living room.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Belong to

be a member of

To be part of a group or organization.

Example

She is a member of the local book club and attends their meetings regularly.

be owned by

To be the property of someone or something.

Example

The car is owned by my brother, but I often borrow it for work.

fall under

To be classified or categorized as part of a larger group or category.

Example

This project falls under the marketing department's responsibilities.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Belong with

fit in with

To be compatible or similar to a group or person.

Example

She quickly fit in with her new colleagues and made friends at her new job.

go together

To be a good match or complement each other.

Example

Peanut butter and jelly go together perfectly in a sandwich.

be part of the crowd

To be accepted and included in a group of people.

Example

He always wanted to be part of the crowd and finally found his place in the drama club.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “belong”

belong with

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

Phrasal Verbs with “with”

Differences in belong to vs belong with: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: belong to or belong with?

Belong to is more common than belong with. It is used in everyday conversations and is a standard way of expressing ownership or membership. Belong with, on the other hand, is less common and is used in specific contexts where compatibility or fitting in is being discussed.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of belong to and belong with

Both belong to and belong with are relatively formal phrases and can be used in both casual and formal settings. However, belong to is more commonly used in formal writing, such as legal documents or academic papers.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of belong to and belong with

The tone of belong to and belong with can differ based on context. Belong to often carries a possessive or authoritative tone when related to ownership or membership, while belong with typically has a friendly and inclusive tone, especially when referring to fitting in with a group or person.

belong to & belong with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Belong to

Synonyms

be a member of
be part of
be connected to
be associated with
be related to
be linked to
be classified as

Antonyms

be separate from
be disconnected from
be unrelated to
be unconnected to
be independent of

Belong with

Synonyms

fit with
match with
go with
be part of
be included with
be grouped with

Antonyms