What are the definitions of “belong to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be a member.
He BELONGS TO a secret society.
- 2Be connected to a time, place, belief, thing, etc.
Their ideas BELONG TO the nineteenth century and seem old - fashioned now.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “belong to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb belong to is to be a member of a group, organization, or community. It can also mean to be connected to a specific time, place, belief, or thing.
What are the different verb forms of “belong to”?
| Root Verb | belong to |
| Third Person Singular Present | belongs to |
| Present Participle | belonging to |
| Simple Past | belonged to |
| Past Participle | belonged to |
Example
She belongs to a book club that meets every month.
Example
He belongs to a secret society.
Example
The painting is belonging to the museum's collection.
Example
The old house belonged to my grandparents.
Example
The ancient artifact belonged to a lost civilization.
What kind of phrasal verb is “belong to”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“belong to” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The book belongs to the library.
Example
This tradition belongs to our culture.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“belong to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The book belongs to the library.
Example
This tradition belongs to our culture.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “belong to”?
Good things to know
Does “belong to” have an informal or formal tone?
Belong to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, academic writing, and professional communication.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “belong to”?
Synonyms
- be a member of
- be part of
- be connected to
- be associated with
- be related to
- be linked to
- be classified as
Antonyms
- be separate from
- be disconnected from
- be unrelated to
- be unconnected to
- be independent of
