Meaning & use
clings
Last updated
“clings” is a form of “cling”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbintransitive
Holds on tightly to someone or something.
Grammar: No object; usually followed by 'to': 'clings to her mother'.
Patterns
- clings to someone/something
The child clings to his mother in unfamiliar places.
Wet clothes cling to your body.
The vine clings to the wall.
verbintransitive
Refuses to give up an idea, hope, or belief.
Grammar: Often followed by 'to': 'clings to the hope'.
Patterns
- clings to a hope/belief
She clings to the hope that he will return.
He clings to his old-fashioned views.
Word forms
| base form | cling |
|---|---|
| past tense | clung |
| past participle | clung |
| -ing form | clinging |
Common combinations
- cling to
- The baby clings to her blanket.
- cling together
- The survivors clung together for warmth.
- cling on
- He clung on to the rope.
Synonyms and how they differ
- stick
- To become fixed or attached to something; can be used for objects that adhere, while 'cling' often implies a tighter, more emotional hold.
- grip
- To hold something very tightly; more about physical strength, not emotional dependence.
- hold on
- To keep holding something; often used in commands, while 'cling' suggests a continuous state.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: clings or clinch?
clings vs clinch
To clinch means to secure or settle something, or to hold someone closely in boxing. Not the same as 'cling', which means to hold on tightly.
Practice
The little boy always ______ to his teddy bear when he is scared.
Choose one answer.
The subject 'boy' is third-person singular, so the verb must be 'clings'. 'Cling' is the base form, 'clung' is past tense, and 'clinging' is the -ing form, none of which fit the present simple tense here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “clings”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.