Phrasal verbs "cling on" vs "go back on"

Differences between cling on and go back on

Cling on means to hold onto something tightly, while go back on means to break a promise or agreement.

Meanings and Definitions: cling on vs go back on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Cling on

  • 1Hold tight.

    He told me to CLING ON as the motorbike accelerated.

Go back on

  • 1Break a promise.

    The government have GONE BACK ON their promise not to raise taxes.

Usage Examples: cling on, go back on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

cling on

Example

She clings on to her purse when walking through crowded areas.

Example

He clings on to the railing when climbing the stairs.

go back on

Example

I hope he doesn't go back on his word.

Example

She never goes back on her promises.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cling on

To hold onto something tightly.

Example

She held on tight to the railing as the boat rocked back and forth.

stick to

To remain loyal or committed to something.

Example

He stuck to his principles even when it was difficult.

To follow or stick to a rule or guideline.

Example

The company adheres to strict safety protocols to ensure the well-being of its employees.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go back on

To fail to keep a promise or commitment.

Example

He broke his promise to help me move to a new apartment.

To go back on a promise or agreement.

Example

The company reneged on its promise to provide a bonus to its employees.

To retract or reverse a statement or decision.

Example

The politician backtracked on his promise to increase funding for education.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “cling”

Phrasal Verbs with “go”

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Differences in cling on vs go back on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: cling on or go back on?

In daily conversation, people use go back on more often than cling on. This is because go back on is used to describe situations where someone doesn't keep their word, which is a common occurrence. Cling on is not used as much in everyday conversation, but it can be used in specific contexts such as describing a person's behavior or a situation where someone is holding onto something tightly.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of cling on and go back on

Cling on and go back on are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of cling on and go back on

The tone of cling on and go back on can differ based on context. Cling on often carries a positive or negative connotation depending on the situation. For example, it can be used to describe someone who is loyal or someone who is stubborn. Go back on typically has a negative tone, especially when referring to breaking a promise or agreement.

cling on & go back on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Cling on

Synonyms

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