Phrasal verbs "cling on to" vs "cling to"

Differences between cling on to and cling to

Cling on to and cling to have similar meanings, but cling on to is used more often to describe a physical action of holding onto something tightly, while cling to is used more often to describe an emotional or mental attachment to something or someone.

Meanings and Definitions: cling on to vs cling to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Cling on to

• 1. Try to keep something.

  They CLUNG ON TO power despite the protests.

Cling to

• 1. Try to maintain beliefs, hopes, etc..

  They CLING TO their old way of thinking.

Usage Examples: cling on to, cling to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

cling on to

Example

She clings on to her old memories.

Example

He clings on to his job despite the challenges.

cling to

Example

She clings to the hope that her lost cat will return.

Example

He clings to his childhood memories.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cling on to

hold on tight

To grip or grasp something tightly to prevent it from falling or slipping away.

Example

She had to hold on tight to the railing to avoid falling down the stairs.

grasp firmly

To hold onto something with a strong and secure grip.

Example

He grasped firmly onto the handlebars of his bike as he rode down the bumpy road.

cling tightly

To hold onto something with a tight and secure grip.

Example

The baby monkey clung tightly to its mother's back as they swung through the trees.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cling to

hold dear

To cherish or value something deeply.

Example

She holds dear the memories of her childhood spent with her grandparents.

be attached to

To have a strong emotional connection or fondness for something or someone.

Example

He is attached to his old car because it was a gift from his late father.

rely on

To depend on something or someone for support or assistance.

Example

She relies on her morning coffee to give her energy for the day ahead.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “cling”

• cling to
• cling on

Phrasal Verbs with “on to”

• pass on to
• get on to
• hold on to
• latch on to
• go on to

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

• go to
• look to
• keep to
• gear to
• relate to

Differences in cling on to vs cling to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: cling on to or cling to?

Both cling on to and cling to are commonly used in everyday conversation, but cling on to is slightly more common. This may be because it's easier to visualize physically holding onto something than emotionally holding onto something.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of cling on to and cling to

Both cling on to and cling to are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, cling to can also be used in more formal contexts such as literature or academic writing.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of cling on to and cling to

The tone of cling on to and cling to can differ based on context. Cling on to often carries a sense of urgency or desperation when referring to physically holding onto something, while cling to typically has a sentimental or nostalgic tone when referring to emotional attachments.

cling on to & cling to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Cling on to

Synonyms

• grasp
• grip
• retain
• maintain
• preserve
• keep
• hold on to

Antonyms

• release
• abandon
• relinquish
• surrender
• lose
• let go
• give up

Cling to

Synonyms

• grasp
• grip
• retain
• preserve
• hold onto
• adhere to
• stick to
• embrace

Antonyms

• release
• abandon
• discard
• reject
• relinquish
• surrender
• let go