cling to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cling to" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to an object, person, or idea that someone is holding on to very tightly, usually in a desperate or emotional way. For example: She clung to her husband's hand as they entered the hospital.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They cling to you".

The New York Times - Sports

They cling to their faith.

The New Yorker

They cling to the tightrope.

The New York Times - Sports

Don't cling to the sensations.

The New York Times - Travel

They cling to that.

The New York Times - Magazine

"People cling to mammograms.

The New York Times

They cling to mansions.

The Guardian - Opinion

We still cling to that dream.

The New York Times

"People cling to their church here.

The New York Times

We cling to fictions, suggests Mr. Hollinghurst.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They cling to---their bake sales.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cling to" when you want to emphasize a strong emotional attachment or a desperate attempt to hold on to something, whether tangible or intangible. For instance, "They "cling to" the hope that the situation will improve."

Common error

While "cling to" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "adhere to" or "maintain" depending on the context. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or less professional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cling to" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, combining the verb 'cling' with the preposition 'to'. Ludwig AI shows that it describes both physical and emotional attachment. The phrasal verb is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object after the preposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cling to" is a very common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe a strong physical or emotional attachment. According to Ludwig AI, it is prevalent in News & Media, but can be found in many other types of content as well. To avoid sounding repetitive, consider synonyms like "hold on to", "adhere to", or "stick to", and be mindful of your tone and register when using the phrase. While Ludwig indicates that the expression is generally acceptable, avoid relying on it too much especially in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold on to

Focuses more on the physical act of grasping and maintaining possession.

hold fast to

Implies a firm and unwavering grip, both physically and metaphorically.

adhere to

Suggests sticking to something, often a principle or belief.

stick to

Similar to adhere to, implying loyalty and commitment to something.

cleave to

A more formal and less common way of expressing strong attachment.

remain attached to

Emphasizes the continued state of being connected or fond of something.

be dependent on

Highlights reliance and the need for support from something or someone.

cherish

Implies a deep affection and valuing of something, leading to a desire to keep it close.

treasure

Similar to cherish, but emphasizes the high value and importance placed on something.

not let go of

Directly expresses the unwillingness to relinquish something.

FAQs

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

You can use "cling to" to describe physically holding onto something tightly, or metaphorically to describe holding onto an idea, belief, or hope. For example, "The child "clung to" his mother's leg" or "They "cling to" their traditions".

What are some synonyms for "cling to"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms such as "hold on to", "adhere to", "stick to", or "hold fast to".

What is the difference between "cling to" and "adhere to"?

"Cling to" often implies an emotional or desperate attachment, while "adhere to" typically suggests following a rule, principle, or belief. For example, you might ""cling to" a memory", but "adhere to the company's policies".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "cling to"?

While generally correct, avoid overuse, especially in formal writing. In some contexts, a more precise or sophisticated word choice might be more appropriate. Always consider the tone and register of your writing.