# belong to sth

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/belong-to-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

To be the property of someone, or to be a member of a group or organization.

For teachers: A stative verb indicating ownership, possession, or membership in a group or category. It requires a prepositional complement introduced by 'to'.

## Examples

- This book belongs to me.
- He belongs to the local chess club and plays there every weekend.
- These ancient artifacts belong to a period of history about which very little is known, making them invaluable to researchers.

## Pitfalls

- Not "This car is belonging to my father." but "This car belongs to my father." — 'Belong' is a stative verb describing a state, not an action, so it is not used in the continuous tense.

## Usage notes

- As a stative verb, 'belong to' is not typically used in continuous (-ing) forms.
- Teaching tip: Emphasize that 'belong' is a stative verb, so learners should avoid progressive forms like *'is belonging to'.

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