What Does “Stick out for sth” Mean?
“Stick out for sth” means to insist on receiving something you believe you deserve, such as a right, payment, or favor.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “stick out for sth” is commonly used in English to express standing firm on a request or demand. When you stick out for something, you do not back down until you get what you believe is fair or necessary. This phrase is often heard in workplaces, negotiations, or personal discussions. Understanding the “stick out for sth” meaning helps learners use it naturally in conversations where persistence or standing your ground is needed.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: stick out for something
- Type: Intransitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To insist on getting something you deserve
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Stick out for sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning you cannot place the object between “stick out” and “for.” The object always follows “for.”
Patterns:
- Subject + stick out for + object (something)
- Example: She stuck out for a higher salary.
How to Use Stick out for sth?
Use “stick out for sth” when you want to show persistence about a specific request or demand. It is often used in formal and informal contexts. The phrase highlights determination and confidence. Common situations include asking for better pay, rights, or conditions.
Examples
When negotiating a job offer, you might say:
- “I had to stick out for a better contract.”
- “They finally agreed because I stuck out for my rights.”
- He stuck out for a fair bonus after completing the project.
- We should stick out for better working hours.
- She stuck out for compensation after the accident.
These examples show how “stick out for sth” is used in a sentence to express persistence.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse the word order or preposition in this phrase.
- Incorrect: I stuck out the better salary.
- Correct: I stuck out for the better salary.
- Incorrect: She stuck out for it something.
- Correct: She stuck out for something.
Remember, always use “for” after “stick out.”
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include “hold out for” and “stand up for.”
- Hold out for: Also means to wait or insist on getting something, often used in negotiations. Example: They held out for a better offer.
- Stand up for: Means to defend or support something or someone. Example: She stood up for her friend.
“Stick out for sth” focuses on insisting or demanding, while “stand up for” focuses on defending.
Common Collocations
We often use “stick out for” with these objects:
- Rights: Legal or moral entitlements
- Pay/Salary: Money earned for work
- Compensation: Payment for loss or injury
- Benefits: Extra advantages like health insurance
- Better conditions: Improved work or living situations
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of stick out for sth:
Real-life Dialogue
At work, two colleagues discuss a raise:
Anna: Have you asked for a raise yet?
Tom: Yes, but I had to stick out for a higher salary. They didn’t want to give it at first.
Anna: Good for you! Sometimes you need to be firm.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “stick out for”:
- She decided to _________ better working hours.
- They _________ extra benefits during the contract talks.
- He always _________ his rights when necessary.
FAQ
- Q: Can I use “stick out for” with people?
No, it is used with things like rights, pay, or benefits. - Q: Is “stick out for sth” formal or informal?
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Can I say “stick out to sth”?
No, the correct preposition is “for.” - Q: What is the difference between “stick out for” and “stand up for”?
“Stick out for” means to insist on something, “stand up for” means to defend someone or something. - Q: Is “stick out for” separable?
No, it is inseparable; the object always follows “for.”
