Cool MateAttach vs Cling
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Attach
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Cling
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Attach
| Attach | Cling | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈtætʃ/","/əˈtætʃɪz/","/əˈtætʃt/","/əˈtætʃɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈtætʃ/","/əˈtætʃɪz/","/əˈtætʃt/","/əˈtætʃɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/klɪŋ/","/klɪŋz/","/klʌŋ/","/ˈklɪŋɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/klɪŋ/","/klɪŋz/","/klʌŋ/","/ˈklɪŋɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to connect or fasten something to another thing | To hold on tightly to something |
| Example | Please attach the document to your email before sending it. | The child began to cling to her mother's leg, feeling shy in the new environment. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | firmly, securely, loosely, to | closely, firmly, tightly, onto, to, close, closely, to |
| Antonyms | detach, remove | release, let go, detach |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'detach' – forgetting to use the right prefix., Using 'attaching' incorrectly in passive constructions., Not following with an object, e.g., 'attach to' instead of 'attach the document to'. | Confused with 'clingy' which describes someone dependent, Incorrectly using 'cling' without an object (e.g., 'I cling'), Using 'cling' in passive form incorrectly |
| Usage notes | Use 'attach' for both physical and abstract connections, like emails or documents. Less common in very formal writing. Avoid with informal language unless using slang. | 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. |
Frequently asked questions: Attach vs Cling
What's the difference between Attach and Cling?
Attach: to connect or fasten something to another thing Cling: To hold on tightly to something
Which is more common: Attach and Cling?
Attach is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Attach and Cling?
Cling is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Attach and Cling the same CEFR level?
Attach: B1, Cling: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Attach and Cling?
Attach: verb, Cling: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Attach: Please attach the document to your email before sending it. Cling: The child began to cling to her mother's leg, feeling shy in the new environment.
Can I use Attach and Cling interchangeably?
Not always. Attach and Cling 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.