stick around
B2Informal
Definition
Meaning
To remain in a place, often in anticipation of something or to see what happens.
To stay in a particular place, job, or situation, especially when others leave or when there is an expectation of leaving.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrasal verb carries a sense of waiting for a relatively short period, often with an implicit or explicit purpose. It can imply patience, availability, or a lack of immediate plans to depart.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use it identically.
Connotations
Slightly casual, friendly tone in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and natural in both British and American informal speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + stick around (+ for + duration/time) (+ to-infinitive)Subject + stick around (+ until + clause)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stick around, something good might happen.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informal use in meetings: 'Stick around after the presentation for Q&A.'
Academic
Rare; considered too informal for most written academic contexts.
Everyday
Very common in casual conversation: 'Are you sticking around for the party?'
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Do stick around for a cuppa.
- He stuck around to help tidy up after the fete.
American English
- Stick around, the main act is coming on soon.
- She stuck around town for a few weeks after graduation.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please stick around. I will be back soon.
- The children stuck around in the garden.
- If you stick around after class, I can explain it again.
- He didn't stick around to hear the bad news.
- The manager asked the team to stick around for an urgent announcement.
- Despite the rumours, the CEO has decided to stick around and lead the company through the crisis.
- The activist vowed to stick around and continue the protest until her demands were met.
- You should stick around for the post-credits scene; it's crucial to the plot.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine putting a sticky note (STICK) AROUND a location on a map to remind yourself to stay there.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSISTENCE IS ADHESION (remaining attached to a location).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'приклеиться вокруг'. The Russian equivalents are often 'остаться', 'задержаться', 'поболтаться' (colloquial).
- Don't confuse with the noun 'stick' (палка).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'stick about' is non-standard in American English, though occasionally heard in UK dialects.
- Using it in overly formal written contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stick around' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot say 'stick me around' or 'stick around me' with this meaning.
It is typically used for short-to-medium durations (minutes to months). For permanent or very long-term situations, 'stay' or 'remain' are more common.
They are very similar. 'Hang around' can have a slightly more negative connotation of idleness or loitering, while 'stick around' is more neutral and purposeful.
It is informal. In formal writing or speech, use 'remain', 'stay', or 'wait'.