What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cleave
Example
He used an axe to cleave the log in half. [cleave: verb]
Example
The strong adhesive can cleave two surfaces together. [cleave: verb]
cling
Example
The child clung to his mother's leg, afraid of the loud noise. [cling: verb]
Example
The wet clothes clung to her body after she got caught in the rain. [clung: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cling is more commonly used than cleave in everyday language. Cling is versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while cleave is less common and has more specific uses.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cleave and cling?
While cleave is typically associated with a more formal tone, cling is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
