clinging with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clinging with" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where one is describing a close attachment or dependence on something, but it is not commonly used. Example: "She was clinging with all her might to the hope of a better future."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Found it dead in eight feet of water, clinging with bill to kelp near bottom.

The New Yorker

Either way, he was soon clinging with small hands to a slippery ledge as his cousins watched helplessly.

The New York Times

Highlight of the second sublime week was the footage of ibex clinging with insouciance to perpendicular cliffs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In Troels, Gale has created an extraordinary character: brutal, sadistic yet clinging, with a gift for spotting the weaknesses of other men and making himself essential to them.

The Guardian - Books

There was, however, a climate of opinion that pointed in the direction of new states emerging from the wreckage of the European empires, clinging with fierce pride to the emblems of independence, from airlines to general staffs, and determined to create strong centralized states that could mobilize hitherto politically inert peoples.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Occasionally, they can even be sublimely terrifying: While reviewing an exhibition about the building of the Empire State Building, for example, I was led past a locked door on the 103rd floor to an outdoor ledge where dirigibles were once supposed to anchor: I stood clinging with white knuckles to a handle on the wall, as the wind whipped around me.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Some species clamber along the ground; others cling with aerial roots to trees and other objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Why do they cling with perverse obstinacy to the obviously bad idea of theocracy?

The Guardian

She often clings, with a doleful ache in her voice, while he holds back, reserved but sometimes reachable.

The New York Times - Arts

The results indicated that the diffuser model with 65° blade angle provide jet and terminal air velocities beside airflow patterns cling with ceiling higher than the models 60° and 45°.

Journal of Building Engineering

Modernity is not just a wish but also a widespread practice among those who cling, with unyielding passion or religious fervor, to ancient attitudes and heritages.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clinging with", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being held onto and the manner of attachment. Consider alternatives like "holding onto" or "grasping" for improved clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "clinging with" excessively, as it can sound awkward or redundant. Vary your language by using synonyms like "holding", "grasping", or "adhering" to maintain reader interest and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clinging with" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition. It describes the manner in which someone or something is holding onto something else. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is acceptable but there might be better alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clinging with" describes a strong attachment or the act of tightly holding onto something. While grammatically acceptable, as mentioned by Ludwig AI, it may not always be the most elegant or common choice, so consider alternatives like "holding onto" or "grasping with" for improved clarity and impact. The phrase appears across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and general writing, suggesting a neutral register. While present in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it's still an uncommon expression. Remember to use it judiciously and ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being held onto and the manner of attachment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

holding onto

Emphasizes the physical act of grasping and maintaining a hold.

grasping with

Suggests a more forceful and determined hold.

clutching with

Implies a desperate or fearful hold.

holding tightly with

Highlights the intensity of the grip.

attaching with

Focuses on the act of connecting or joining something together.

sticking with

Implies a persistent and unwavering adherence.

embracing with

Suggests a more emotional and supportive hold.

adhering with

Suggests a more formal or scientific type of attachment.

maintaining with

Highlights an effort to continue or preserve.

depending on

Focuses on reliance rather than physical attachment.

FAQs

What does "clinging with" mean?

"Clinging with" implies a strong attachment or the act of holding onto something tightly, often out of fear or desperation. The meaning can vary slightly depending on the context in which it is used.

How can I use "clinging with" in a sentence?

You can use "clinging with" to describe a physical hold, such as "The climber was "clinging with" all her might to the rope". You can also use it metaphorically, for example, "She was "clinging with" hope to the possibility of a reconciliation".

What are some alternatives to "clinging with"?

Alternatives to "clinging with" include "holding onto", "grasping with", "adhering with", and "depending on". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is "clinging with" formal or informal language?

"Clinging with" is generally considered neutral, but not highly formal. It is suitable for news reporting, encyclopedic entries, and general writing. More formal contexts might benefit from using "adhering with", while informal contexts may call for something like "sticking with".