hang onto

USAGE SUMMARY

"hang onto" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to hold onto something tightly or to keep something close to oneself. Examples: 1. The hiker was determined to hang onto the side of the cliff until help arrived. 2. She promised to hang onto the old family recipe for chocolate chip cookies. 3. The children hung onto their mother's every word as she read them a bedtime story. 4. Despite the strong winds, the flagpole was able to hang onto the American flag.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Hang onto it.

The New York Times

Secular things to hang onto".

The New York Times - Books

Do you hang onto old text messages?

The New York Times

Hopefully I can hang onto that confidence".

The New York Times

And we hang onto the fun.

The New York Times

You wanted to hang onto them.

The New York Times

Fashion won't let you hang onto lust.

The New York Times

Can he hang onto the lead?

The Guardian - Sport

Hang onto it," Mr. States said.

The New York Times

You never quite can, or even hang onto them.

The New York Times - Arts

They'll fight savagely to hang onto that power".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hang onto" when you want to emphasize the act of holding something tightly, either physically or metaphorically. For instance, "Hang onto your dreams" suggests perseverance.

Common error

Avoid using "hang onto" when a more formal or precise verb is required. For example, instead of saying "hang onto the data", consider using "retain the data" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hang onto" is that of a phrasal verb. It typically functions as a transitive verb when it takes a direct object, indicating what is being held or retained, as demonstrated by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hang onto" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to express the idea of holding something tightly or retaining possession. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, general writing and science, though it's less common in highly formal or academic settings. Alternatives like "hold on to" or "cling to" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When writing, it's best to use "hang onto" when the context calls for emphasis on the act of holding or retaining something, but avoid using it in situations that demand a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold on to

Replaces "hang" with "hold", maintaining the core meaning of keeping something secure.

keep hold of

A slight rephrasing, using a different construction to express the same idea.

cling to

Emphasizes a strong emotional or physical attachment to something.

hold fast to

More emphatic version of "hold on to", suggesting unwavering commitment.

not let go of

Focuses on the act of preventing something from being released.

keep a grip on

Focuses on the physical aspect of holding something tightly.

secure possession of

Highlights the act of safely keeping or maintaining ownership.

retain possession of

Formal alternative emphasizing continued ownership or control.

preserve

Focuses on maintaining something in its original state over time.

maintain

Suggests keeping something at a certain level or standard.

FAQs

What does "hang onto" mean?

The phrase "hang onto" means to hold something tightly or to keep possession of something. It can be used both literally, like "hang onto the railing", and figuratively, like "hang onto your dreams".

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

You can use "hang onto" in various contexts. For example: "Hang onto your hat, it's going to be a bumpy ride!" or "Hang onto that feeling, it's important to remember."

What can I say instead of "hang onto"?

You can use alternatives like "hold on to", "cling to", or "retain" depending on the context.

Is "hang on to" the same as "hang onto"?

Yes, "hang on to" and "hang onto" are generally interchangeable and have the same meaning. Both phrases mean to hold something tightly or keep possession of it.