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Same verb · different particle

“stick” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 3 one at a time, then test yourself.

3 phrasal verbslisten & quiz
stick
aroundoutto

stick + around · 1 of 3

stick around

to stay in a place for a period of time

  • stick around sth
  • informal

to remain in a place and not leave, usually for a short while, often to wait for something or someone.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

You can stick around after the meeting if you have any questions.

A: Are you leaving now?
B: No, I'll stick around for a bit and see if Sarah needs help.

Common mistake

Not: Stick around to the end of the show.

Say: Stick around until the end of the show.

'Stick around until/till', not 'to'.

More on “stick around”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I finish my exam early, I usually stick around to check my answers before handing in the paper.

Tell it apart

Stick around — the best part's coming.

  • stay here a while

Stick to the plan.

  • don't deviate from it

Goes with

  • stick around
Practice saying this
Next: stick out

stick + out · 2 of 3

stick out

to be very noticeable

  • stick out from/among sth

To be easy to see or recognize because of being different or unusual.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Her bright red coat really stuck out in the crowd.

A: Did you notice Tom at the meeting?
B: Yeah, he stuck out because he was the only one wearing jeans.

Common mistake

Not: I felt I sticked out at the party.

Say: I felt I stuck out at the party.

Irregular past — 'stuck out', not 'sticked out'.

More on “stick out”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, what makes a good teacher stick out is their ability to connect with students.

Tell it apart

A tourist sticks out here.

  • is very noticeable

A nail is sticking out.

  • protruding — sense 2

Goes with

  • stick out + visibility
Practice saying this
Next: stick to

stick + to · 3 of 3

stick to

continue with a plan

  • stick to sth

To keep doing something you decided to do, even if it gets difficult or boring.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

If you want to get fit, you need to stick to your exercise routine.

A: Are you still doing that online course?
B: Yeah, I'm trying to stick to my study schedule, even though it's tough.

Common mistake

Not: I'll stick on my plan.

Say: I'll stick to my plan.

'Stick TO' a plan — not 'on'.

More on “stick to”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important to stick to your goals, especially when you face challenges.

Tell it apart

Let's stick to the plan.

  • keep following it

Let's stick to the point.

  • don't wander off-topic — sense

Goes with

  • stick to + plan
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which “stick” fits?
Fill the gap

Which “stick” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

stick aroundstick outstick to