Remember this!
The present tense form of 'cling' is cling or clings. Example: The wet clothes cling to the body after swimming. (The wet clothes cling to the body after swimming.)
Definition of “cling”
- to hold on tightly or adhere firmly to something
- to stay close or attached to someone or something
Tense sentence structure and examples:
Notes from a Native English Speaker
Here are the general structures of a present and past participle. Remember, some verbs have an irregular form and may not follow this structure: Present Participle: [Verb] -ing Past Participle: [Verb] -ed
| Present Simple | cling |
| Present Continuous | clinging |
| Present Perfect | clung |
Example
The child clings to their favorite toy.
Example
He clings to the hope of a better future.
Example
She is clinging to her mother's leg, not wanting to let go.
Example
They are clinging to each other for support.
Example
He has clung to that memory for years.
Example
They have clung to their traditions despite modern influences.
cling Subject-Verb Agreement
Notes from a Native English Speaker
Subject-verb agreement means that a subject and its verb match. They’re either both plural or both singular. A singular subject takes a singular verb. - Example: The cat is sleeping. A plural subject takes a plural verb. - Example: The cats are sleeping.
| Singular First Person (I) | cling |
| Singular Second Person (You) | cling |
| Singular Third Person (He/She/It) | clings |
| Plural (We/You/They) | cling |
Example
I cling to my beliefs.
Example
You cling to your loved ones.
Example
He clings to his mother.
Example
She clings to her favorite toy.
Example
It clings to the wall.
Example
We cling to our hopes and dreams.
Example
You cling to each other.
Example
They cling to their traditions.
