Cool MateCling vs Don't let go
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Cling
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Don't let go
Top 2,000 (common)
| Cling | Don't let go | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/klɪŋ/","/klɪŋz/","/klʌŋ/","/ˈklɪŋɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/klɪŋ/","/klɪŋz/","/klʌŋ/","/ˈklɪŋɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt lɛt ɡəʊ//🇺🇸 //doʊnt lɛt ɡoʊ// |
| Meaning | To hold on tightly to something | To stop holding something tightly. |
| Example | The child began to cling to her mother's leg, feeling shy in the new environment. | Don't let go of the rope! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | closely, firmly, tightly, onto, to, close, closely, to | don't let go of, don't let go easily, don't let go ever, don't let go tightly |
| Antonyms | release, let go, detach | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'clingy' which describes someone dependent, Incorrectly using 'cling' without an object (e.g., 'I cling'), Using 'cling' in passive form incorrectly | Translating directly from another language and losing the phrasal meaning., Confusing it with 'let go' which means to release., Using it when referring to non-physical contexts without clarification. |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts, like physical grip or emotional attachment. Avoid when describing a detached state or lack of concern. More common in physical contexts than emotional. | Commonly used in both spoken and written contexts. It's often imparted as advice or encouragement. Avoid using in very formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Cling vs Don't let go
What's the difference between Cling and Don't let go?
Cling: To hold on tightly to something Don't let go: To stop holding something tightly.
Can you show an example of each?
Cling: The child began to cling to her mother's leg, feeling shy in the new environment. Don't let go: Don't let go of the rope!
Can I use Cling and Don't let go interchangeably?
Not always. Cling and Don't let go are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.