Differences between cling on to and hold on to
Cling on to implies a stronger grip or attachment to something, often out of fear or desperation. Hold on to is more commonly used to describe keeping something in one's possession or maintaining a certain level of control over it.
Meanings and Definitions: cling on to vs hold on to
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Cling on to
- 1Try to keep something.
They CLUNG ON TO power despite the protests.
Hold on to
- 1Hold tightly.
I HELD ON TO my luggage while I was waiting fr the taxi so that it didn't get stolen.
Usage Examples: cling on to, hold on 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.
hold on to
Example
Please hold on to the railing while going down the stairs.
Example
She holds on to her purse tightly in crowded places.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cling on to
clutch onto
To hold on tightly to something, often out of fear or desperation.
Example
The child clutched onto his mother's hand as they walked through the crowded market.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hold on to
To keep or continue to have something.
Example
She was able to retain her position as team captain for another year.
To protect or maintain something in its original state.
Example
The museum worked hard to preserve the ancient artifacts for future generations to enjoy.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “hold”
Phrasal Verbs with “on to”
Differences in cling on to vs hold on to: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: cling on to or hold on to?
Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but hold on to is slightly more common. It's often used when talking about keeping something valuable or important, like a job or a relationship. Cling on to is used less frequently and usually in more emotional or dramatic situations.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of cling on to and hold on to
Both cling on to and hold on to are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, hold on to can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of cling on to and hold on to
The tone of cling on to is often more desperate or fearful, while hold on to is more neutral and can even have a positive connotation when referring to keeping something valuable or important.
