Can I use "stick with" in formal writing?

Yes, "stick with" is acceptable in both formal and informal contexts.

Is "stick with" separable?

"Stick with" is inseparable; the object always comes after the phrase.

What is the difference between "stick with" and "stick to"?

"Stick with" means to continue using or doing something, while "stick to" means to follow rules or plans strictly.

Can "stick with" be used with people?

Yes, you can say "stick with someone" to mean staying loyal or continuing a relationship.

Is "stick with" common in everyday English?

Yes, it is a very common phrasal verb used in daily conversations.

Stick with sth Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

Oct 7, 2024

—

by

Michael Carter

in English Phrasal Verbs

What Does “Stick with sth” Mean?

“Stick with sth” means to continue doing something or to keep using a particular thing without changing it.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “stick with sth” is commonly used in English to express the idea of staying loyal to a choice, plan, or habit. When you stick with something, you do not give up or switch to something else. Understanding the stick with sth meaning helps learners communicate persistence or consistency in different situations. Whether you are talking about sticking with a job, a diet, or a decision, this phrase is useful in daily conversations and writing.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: stick with something
Type: transitive
Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Short meaning: to continue using or doing something

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Stick with sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means you cannot separate “stick” and “with” by placing the object in between.

Correct: stick with the plan
Incorrect: stick the plan with

Common patterns:

stick with + noun/pronoun
stick with + gerund (less common but possible)

How to Use Stick with sth?

You use “stick with sth” when you want to express staying committed to something. It often refers to habits, choices, or methods that you continue despite difficulties or alternatives. It can be used in formal and informal contexts.

Examples of use include sticking with a job, a routine, a diet, a team, or a plan. It emphasizes perseverance and loyalty.

Examples

Here are some examples showing how to use “stick with sth in a sentence”:

I decided to stick with my original plan, even though some people suggested changes.
She stuck with her workout routine for months and saw great results.
It’s best to stick with one method when learning a new skill.
They stuck with the same software despite new options on the market.
He stuck with his team through all the challenges.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners confuse the phrase or try to separate the verb and preposition incorrectly.

Incorrect: I will stick the plan with.
Correct: I will stick with the plan.

Another mistake is using “stick to” instead of “stick with” when the meaning is about staying with something chosen or used rather than obeying rules.

Incorrect: She sticks to her old phone (when meaning she continues using it).
Correct: She sticks with her old phone.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrasal verbs include “stick to,” “hold on to,” and “keep up with.” However, they have different nuances:

Stick to usually means to follow rules or plans strictly.
Hold on to emphasizes keeping something physically or emotionally.
Keep up with means to maintain the same level or pace.

“Stick with” focuses on continuing to use or do something without changing.

Common Collocations

We often use “stick with” followed by objects related to choices, plans, or habits. Here are some common collocations:

stick with a plan – continue following a plan
stick with a decision – remain loyal to a choice
stick with a diet – keep following a diet
stick with a job – continue working in the same position
stick with a method – keep using a particular way

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of stick with sth:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “stick with sth”:

Anna: Are you sure you want to change your study method?

Ben: No, I think I’ll stick with what I’ve been doing. It works well for me.

Anna: That makes sense. Consistency is important.

Practice

Choose the correct option to complete the sentence:

I decided to ______ my original plan despite some difficulties.

a) stick to
b) stick with
c) stick on

Answer: b) stick with

Fill in the blank:

She always ______ her favorite brand of shoes because they are comfortable.
(Answer: sticks with)

FAQ

Q: Can I use “stick with” in formal writing?
A: Yes, “stick with” is acceptable in both formal and informal contexts.
Q: Is “stick with” separable?
A: No, “stick with” is inseparable; the object always comes after the phrase.
Q: What is the difference between “stick with” and “stick to”?
A: “Stick with” means to continue using or doing something, while “stick to” means to follow rules or plans strictly.
Q: Can “stick with” be used with people?
A: Yes, you can say “stick with someone” to mean staying loyal or continuing a relationship.
Q: Is “stick with” common in everyday English?
A: Yes, it is a very common phrasal verb used in daily conversations.