stick to — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings

stick to

1continue with a plan 2follow a rule or limit 3maintain subject

Meaning 1 · most common

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 “continue with a plan”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

Next meaning: follow a rule or limit

Meaning 2

follow a rule or limit

stick to sth

To obey a rule, limit, or agreement without breaking it.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Please stick to the budget we agreed on for this project.

A: Can I eat more than 2,000 calories a day?
B: The doctor said you should stick to the limit if you want to lose weight.

Common mistake

Not: You must stick the rules.

Say: You must stick to the rules.

'Stick TO' the rules — don't drop 'to'.

More on “follow a rule or limit”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

I believe it's important to stick to the rules at work to avoid misunderstandings.

Tell it apart

Stick to the budget.

stay within the limit

Stick to the plan.

keep following it — sense

Goes with

stick to + limit

Practice saying this

Next meaning: maintain subject

Meaning 3

maintain subject

stick to topic/subject/point

To continue talking or writing about only one particular subject, rather than moving to other topics.

How oftenNow and then

LevelC1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

During the debate, the moderator asked everyone to stick to the issue at hand.

A: I think we should discuss the budget cuts.
B: Let's stick to the agenda for now and come back to that later.

Common mistake

Not: Let's stick on the topic.

Say: Let's stick to the topic.

'Stick TO' the topic — not 'on'.

More on “maintain subject”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In academic writing, it is important to stick to the main argument and avoid unnecessary digressions.

Tell it apart

Stick to the point.

don't wander off-topic

Stick to the rules.

obey them — sense

Goes with

stick to + topic

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which one is it?

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Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.

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continue with a plan follow a rule or limit maintain subject