stick to: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral
Quick answer
What does “stick to” mean?
To adhere to or remain with something without changing or deviating.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To adhere to or remain with something without changing or deviating.
Implies loyalty, perseverance, or consistent following of plans, rules, or principles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning; minor variations in collocational preferences.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, implying steadfastness.
Frequency
Equally common in British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “stick to” in a Sentence
stick to + noun phrasestick to + gerundVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stick to” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We must stick to the agreed timetable.
American English
- Let's stick to the original plan without changes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Stick to the budget to ensure financial discipline.
Academic
Stick to the research methodology for valid results.
Everyday
I always stick to my morning routine.
Technical
In engineering, stick to the safety protocols.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stick to”
- Confusing 'stick to' with 'stick with'; 'stick to' is for plans/rules, 'stick with' for people or continuing with something.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'stick to' is acceptable in formal contexts, though 'adhere to' might be preferred in very formal documents.
Yes, for example: 'He didn't stick to the diet, so he didn't lose weight.'
'Stick to' often implies adherence to a specific plan or rule, while 'persist with' emphasizes continuing effort despite difficulties.
Use visual aids like glue sticking to paper, and provide examples in contexts like plans, diets, or rules to illustrate the meaning of persistence and consistency.
To adhere to or remain with something without changing or deviating.
Stick to: in British English it is pronounced /stɪk tuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /stɪk tu/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stick to your guns”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of glue that sticks to a surface; similarly, stick to means to hold on to something firmly.
Conceptual Metaphor
Adhesion as persistence; sticking implies not letting go or changing.
Practice
Quiz
What is the best synonym for 'stick to' in the sentence: 'She always sticks to her principles.'?