Stick through sth Meaning and Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does โ€œStick through sthโ€ Mean?

โ€œStick through sthโ€ means to continue doing something until it is finished, even if it is difficult or unpleasant.

Introduction

The phrasal verb stick through sth is used to describe the act of persevering or enduring a challenging situation. When you stick through something, you stay committed and donโ€™t give up, even if the task or experience is hard. This phrase is common in everyday English and often appears in conversations about work, relationships, or personal goals. Understanding the stick through sth meaning will help you express determination and resilience clearly.

Quick Info Box

  • Phrasal verb: stick through something
  • Type: transitive
  • Level: B2
  • Short meaning: to continue with something difficult until the end

Structure (Grammar Rules)

The phrasal verb stick through sth is inseparable, meaning the object always comes after the entire verb phrase.

Pattern: stick through + something

  • Correct: I had to stick through the tough training.
  • Incorrect: I had to stick the tough training through.

How to Use Stick through sth?

You use stick through sth when talking about continuing a difficult or unpleasant experience until it finishes. It often refers to situations like finishing a project, staying in a challenging relationship, or completing a tough course. It shows determination and patience.

Examples

Here are some examples to help you understand how to use stick through sth in a sentence:

  • Even though the job was hard, she decided to stick through the entire contract.
  • They stuck through the rough times in their friendship and became closer.
  • Itโ€™s important to stick through the difficult chapters if you want to understand the book fully.
  • He stuck through the pain during the marathon and finished the race.
  • We all need to stick through challenges to grow stronger.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners confuse the word order or use incorrect prepositions with this phrasal verb. Here are some examples:

  • Incorrect: She stuck the difficult task through.
  • Correct: She stuck through the difficult task.
  • Incorrect: They sticked through the problem.
  • Correct: They stuck through the problem.

Differences / Synonyms

Stick through sth is similar to hang on or push through, but there are subtle differences:

  • Hang on: to wait or stay in a situation, often with hope.
  • Push through: to force yourself to finish despite difficulties.
  • Stick through sth: to remain committed and not give up during a tough situation.

For example, โ€œstick throughโ€ emphasizes enduring a situation, while โ€œpush throughโ€ highlights effort and force.

Common Collocations

You will often hear stick through combined with these common objects:

  • Stick through the hard times โ€“ endure difficult periods
  • Stick through the challenge โ€“ continue despite obstacles
  • Stick through the project โ€“ finish a task or assignment
  • Stick through the pain โ€“ tolerate physical or emotional discomfort
  • Stick through the relationship โ€“ remain committed to a partnership

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of stick through sth:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation showing how to use stick through sth in everyday talk:

Anna: This course is really tough. Iโ€™m thinking about quitting.

Mark: Donโ€™t give up now. You have to stick through it if you want to pass.

Anna: Youโ€™re right. Iโ€™ll stick through the lessons and finish strong.

Practice

Try to complete the sentence below by choosing the correct form:

โ€œIf you want to succeed, you need to ________ the difficulties.โ€

  • a) stick through
  • b) stick in
  • c) stick on
  • d) stick up

Answer: a) stick through

FAQ

  • What does โ€œstick through sthโ€ mean? It means to continue with something difficult until it is finished.
  • Is โ€œstick through sthโ€ separable? No, it is inseparable; the object follows the entire phrase.
  • Can I use โ€œstick throughโ€ for relationships? Yes, it often describes staying committed in relationships during hard times.
  • What is a synonym for โ€œstick through sthโ€? โ€œHang onโ€ or โ€œpush throughโ€ are similar, but โ€œstick throughโ€ focuses on enduring.
  • Is โ€œstick through sthโ€ formal or informal? It is commonly used in both formal and informal English.

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