clinging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clinging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of holding on tightly to something, either physically or metaphorically, often implying a sense of dependence or attachment. Example: "The child was clinging to her mother's leg, afraid to let go in the crowded room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A week or so ago, when there was a weeny temperate gap in the Arctic spring, I noticed that the pond was heaving with froggies, with one clump of them clinging to a white thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But after Boyd scored his 14th goal of the season two minutes into the second half, County were left clinging on with 10 men for the final 13 minutes after Filip Kiss was sent off, and Boyd took advantage at the death as County players protested for a foul.

The Guardian - Sport

As you get older, more and more people look young, and she proved not to be a student but a 'real person' clinging on to one of the shrinking number of houses not turned over to youthful multiple occupation.

The Guardian

In many ways this was actually a very defensive budget, adapting to and neutralising Labour attacks, spraying out some one nation-style quasi-egalitarian rhetoric to cover up the stubborn smell of self-serving privilege clinging to the Tory brand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lister points out that, in rural areas, getting in the car and driving to Bath or Bristol may not be an option, as fuel prices rise and pressure on household purses increases; meanwhile theatres in the smaller towns, such as the Merlin in Frome, have been hammered by Somerset's cuts and are clinging on to life.

The Guardian

There had been little between the sides up until that point, with United clinging to their slender lead.

The Guardian - Sport

Stranded in a sea of possible triggers, the piece of land I was standing on – clinging to – grew smaller and smaller.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some people were clinging to the edge of the ship, others were struggling under the water.

The Guardian

Blue-painted buildings line the streets, clinging to the steep mountainsides.

The Guardian - Travel

The sensational 150km dirt track from the remote northern town of Chachapoyas to Celelendín climbed up to a height of more than 4,000m before descending along a crumbling ledge clinging to a sheer precipice.

The Guardian - Travel

It was found clinging for safety with a newspaper cutting from 1909, the year the building opened – and it couldn't be more apt.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clinging" to convey a sense of desperation or strong attachment, either physically or emotionally. This word works well when you want to emphasize dependence or vulnerability.

Common error

While "clinging" can be effective, overuse can make your writing sound overly dramatic or sentimental. In formal or professional settings, consider using more neutral alternatives like "adhering to" or "maintaining" to avoid unwanted emotional connotations.

Linguistic Context

Clinging" primarily functions as a present participle, often used adjectivally or as part of a continuous verb tense. It describes an ongoing action of holding on tightly. As Ludwig shows, the word can express both physical and metaphorical actions, such as "clinging to a memory" or "clinging to the edge".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Travel

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clinging" is a versatile present participle that effectively conveys the act of holding on tightly, either physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While widely used in news and media, travel, and sports reporting, it’s essential to consider the emotional weight the word carries, making it more suited for narratives that benefit from an emphasis on attachment or desperation. To avoid overuse or inappropriate tone, especially in formal writing, consider alternatives like "adhering to" or "maintaining". Overall, "clinging" is a useful term when seeking to vividly portray a state of strong connection or dependence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holding tightly

Focuses on the strength of the grip, emphasizing physical hold.

tenaciously grasping

Highlights determination and firmness in holding on.

firmly adhering

Emphasizes sticking to something, whether physically or metaphorically.

tightly gripping

Stresses the action of grasping with a firm hold.

sticking fast

Focuses on the property of remaining attached or fixed to something.

hanging onto

Indicates persistence in keeping hold of something.

maintaining hold

Emphasizes the continuous effort to keep a grip.

refusing to release

Highlights the determination not to let go.

keeping a firm grip

Stresses the action of keeping a firm hold of something.

holding on for dear life

Implies a desperate attempt to hold on in a dangerous situation.

FAQs

How is "clinging" used in a sentence?

The word "clinging" is used to describe someone or something that is holding on tightly, often due to fear or desperation. For example, "The refugees were "clinging to" the hope of rescue".

What are some synonyms for "clinging"?

Alternatives for "clinging" include "grasping", "holding on", "adhering", and "sticking". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to say someone is "clinging to" something?

When someone is described as "clinging to" something, it typically means they are desperately holding onto an idea, belief, or possession, often in the face of adversity or when it's no longer appropriate. It can also imply "dependence".

Is it correct to use "clinging" to describe an emotional state?

Yes, "clinging" can be used metaphorically to describe an emotional state, such as "clinging to the past" or "clinging to hope". This usage conveys a strong sense of attachment and emotional dependence.