cling onto

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cling onto" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that someone or something is clinging or holding on tightly (usually to something or someone that is moving, or trying to move away). Here is an example sentence: She was clinging onto the edge of the cliff, hoping that she wouldn't fall.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Charlton v Leeds Can Simon Grayson's Leeds cling onto the second automatic promotion place?

The Guardian - Sport

"That's part of the thing that we want to cling onto," she said.

The Guardian

It may not be much but, Kane implies, it is all we have to cling onto.

The Guardian

Norway has been able to cling onto more of its old social democratic habits than its neighbours.

The Economist

Northampton tamely booted the final penalty of the match into touch to cling onto a losing bonus point.

Independent

"But I kind of have to cling onto his chauvinism a bit, because I think it makes things more interesting".

Independent

After an initial attempt to recover from recent losses, leading shares are struggling to cling onto the day's gains.

The Guardian - Business

This is the man who became a naturalised American citizen in 2000 while still managing to cling onto his knighthood.

The Guardian - Film

They will hope Brentford cannot beat Hartlepool in the late kick-off as they hope to cling onto second.

The Guardian - Sport

"Even other primate babies, like baby chimps, which are close in evolutionary terms, can cling onto their moms".

The New Yorker

Europa League-chasing Lazio appeared happy enough to cling onto a slender lead after Stefan Radu added some excitement to a dull first half with a rare goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cling onto" to convey a sense of desperation or strong attachment, especially when facing potential loss or separation. It effectively communicates a determined effort to hold on.

Common error

Avoid using "cling onto" when a more neutral term like "hold onto" or "retain" would be more appropriate. "Cling onto" carries a connotation of urgency and potential loss, which may not always be intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cling onto" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "cling" with the preposition "onto". It signifies a strong, often desperate, act of holding or adhering to something, physically or metaphorically. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, such as physically clinging to objects for safety or metaphorically clinging to ideas or power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cling onto" is a phrasal verb indicating a firm, often desperate, act of holding or adhering. According to Ludwig, this grammatically correct phrase is very common, predominantly used in news and media, wiki, and scientific contexts. Its function is to emphasize tenacity, and while its register is neutral, it often implies a sense of vulnerability. For semantically similar alternatives, you can use phrases like "hold on to" or "hang on to", depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold on to

Implies maintaining possession or connection, similar to clinging but can be less desperate.

hang on to

Similar to "hold on to", suggesting retention or preservation, sometimes under difficult circumstances.

grab onto

Suggests a sudden or forceful act of seizing and holding, emphasizing the immediacy of the action.

catch onto

Focuses on understanding or becoming aware of something, then retaining that knowledge.

latch onto

Suggests attaching oneself to something, often with a sense of need or opportunism.

seize upon

Emphasizes taking advantage of an opportunity or idea, holding it tightly.

preserve

Focuses on maintaining something in its original state, guarding against decay or loss.

retain

Implies keeping something, often in a more formal or official context.

maintain

Suggests continuous effort to keep something in a particular condition.

defend

Implies protecting something from attack or threat, holding it against opposition.

FAQs

What does "cling onto" mean?

"Cling onto" means to hold tightly to something or someone, often out of fear of losing it, or to adhere to an idea or belief firmly.

How can I use "cling onto" in a sentence?

You can use "cling onto" when describing someone holding something tightly, or when describing someone firmly adhering to a belief. For example, "The climber had to cling onto the rope to avoid falling" or "They "hold on to" traditional values.".

What are some alternatives to "cling onto"?

Alternatives to "cling onto" include "hold on to", "hang on to", "retain", or "preserve", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "cling to" or "cling onto"?

Both "cling to" and "cling onto" are correct, but "cling onto" emphasizes the act of grabbing and maintaining a hold, while "cling to" can be more general. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.