Phrasal verbs "cling to" vs "stick to"

Differences between cling to and stick to

Cling to usually means to hold onto something tightly, either physically or emotionally, while stick to generally means to adhere to a plan, idea, or decision.

Meanings and Definitions: cling to vs stick to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Cling to

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

  They CLING TO their old way of thinking.

Stick to

• 1. Not change.

  The Prime Minister decided to STICK TO the original plan despite the criticism in the media.

• 2. Restrict or limit and not change.

  I STUCK TO the path and didn't take the shortcut.

Usage Examples: cling to, stick to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

cling to

Example

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

Example

He clings to his childhood memories.

stick to

Example

I always stick to my workout routine, even on weekends.

Example

She sticks to her diet, no matter how tempting the desserts are.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cling to

hold onto

To grasp or keep something tightly, either physically or emotionally.

Example

She held onto her mother's hand tightly during the scary movie.

be attached to

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

Example

He is attached to his childhood home and visits it every summer.

depend on

To rely on someone or something for support or assistance.

Example

She depends on her best friend for emotional support during tough times.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stick to

adhere to

To follow or stick to a plan, idea, or decision.

Example

He adhered to his workout routine even during busy workdays.

keep to

To stay committed to a particular course of action or behavior.

Example

She kept to her promise of not eating junk food for a month.

follow through

To complete a task or plan as promised or intended.

Example

He followed through with his plan of starting a new business despite facing challenges.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “cling”

• cling on to
• cling on

Phrasal Verbs with “stick”

• stick with
• stick out
• stick around
• stick at
• stick together

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

• take to
• go to
• attend to
• occur to
• give it to

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

Frequency in Daily Use: cling to or stick to?

In daily conversation, people use stick to more often than cling to. This is because stick to is used for more practical and goal-oriented situations such as following a schedule or sticking to a diet. Cling to is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about emotional attachment or physical contact. So, while both phrases are used, stick to is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Cling to and stick to are 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 to and stick to

The tone of cling to and stick to can differ based on context. Cling to often carries an emotional or desperate tone when related to attachment or survival, while stick to typically has a determined and focused tone, especially when referring to following a plan or decision.

cling to & stick to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Cling to

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

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

Stick to

Synonyms

• follow
• maintain
• observe
• adhere to
• persist in
• abide by
• hold to
• keep to

Antonyms

• abandon
• disregard
• ignore
• neglect
• violate
• change
• deviate from
• stray from