Phrasal verbs "latch on" vs "latch onto"

Differences between latch on and latch onto

Latch on and latch onto are very similar phrasal verbs, but there is a slight difference in their meaning. Latch on means to understand or comprehend something quickly, while latch onto means to become very interested in something or someone.

Meanings and Definitions: latch on vs latch onto

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Latch on

• 1. Understand, often after a long time.

  They were lying, but it took her ages to LATCH ON.

Latch onto

• 1. Connect to something.

  The gecko LATCHED ONTO the ceiling.

• 2. Decide or realise that something is good or profitable.

  Oil companies have LATCHED ONTO environmental ideas.

Usage Examples: latch on, latch onto in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

latch on

Example

It took him a while to latch on to the new software.

Example

She eventually latches on to the fact that they were lying.

latch onto

Example

The baby bird latched onto its mother for warmth.

Example

She latches onto new ideas quickly.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Latch on

catch on

To understand or grasp something quickly.

Example

It took her a while to catch on to the new software program, but once she did, she was able to use it easily.

get the hang of

To learn or become accustomed to doing something skillful or complex.

Example

With practice, she started to get the hang of playing the guitar and even wrote her first song.

pick up on

To notice or understand something that is not directly stated.

Example

He was able to pick up on her subtle hints and knew exactly what she wanted.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Latch onto

become fixated on

To become overly interested or obsessed with something or someone.

Example

She became fixated on the idea of traveling to Japan and spent all her free time researching the country.

cling to

To hold onto something tightly or persistently.

Example

He clung to the hope that he would get the job, even though he knew it was unlikely.

attach oneself to

To become closely associated or connected with something or someone.

Example

She attached herself to the new project and worked tirelessly to ensure its success.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “latch”

• latch onto
• latch on to

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

• come on
• carry on
• grass on
• tell on
• bank on

Phrasal Verbs with “onto”

• hold onto
• front onto
• fasten onto
• be onto
• hang onto

Differences in latch on vs latch onto: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: latch on or latch onto?

Both latch on and latch onto are commonly used in everyday conversation, but latch onto is slightly more common. It's often used when talking about someone who has become very interested in a particular topic or person.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of latch on and latch onto

Both latch on and latch onto are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, they may not be appropriate in more formal settings like business or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of latch on and latch onto

The tone of latch on and latch onto can differ based on context. Latch on often carries a positive tone when related to understanding or learning something new, while latch onto can carry a negative tone when referring to someone who is overly attached or obsessed with something or someone.

latch on & latch onto: Synonyms and Antonyms

Latch on

Synonyms

• understand
• grasp
• comprehend
• realize
• catch on
• get the hang of

Antonyms

• misunderstand
• overlook
• ignore
• miss
• fail to grasp

Latch onto

Synonyms

• attach
• cling
• grasp
• hold
• grip
• adopt
• connect
• embrace
• catch on

Antonyms

• detach
• release
• disengage
• disconnect
• ignore
• reject
• disregard
• let go