What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clinging
Example
The child was clinging to his mother's leg, not wanting her to leave. [clinging: verb]
Example
The wet clothes were clinging to her body after she got caught in the rain. [clinging: present participle]
embracing
Example
She was embracing her friend tightly after not seeing her for a long time. [embracing: verb]
Example
The company is embracing new technology to improve its efficiency. [embracing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Embracing is more commonly used than clinging in everyday language. Embracing has a broader range of contexts and can be used to describe physical actions as well as metaphorical acceptance or support. On the other hand, clinging is less common and is usually used to describe a strong attachment or dependency.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clinging and embracing?
Both clinging and embracing can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, clinging may have a slightly more informal tone due to its association with emotional attachment, while embracing can be used in various formality levels, depending on the context.
