Grammar fix
stick up for someone
defend someone
To defend someone when other people criticize or treat them unfairly.
phrasal verb
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Thanks for sticking up for me when everyone else blamed me.
My best friend has always stuck up for me, especially when people made unfair assumptions about my family.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She stuck up me when they complained.
Say: She stuck up for me when they complained.
The phrase needs the preposition 'for' before the person you defend.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Support someone who is being criticised
How forcefulBackingDefending
back upSupport someone's account, position, or response in a difficult situation.
stick up for someoneYou're here · More casual than 'stand up for', and almost always about defending a person, often a friend or someone weaker.
stand up forDefend someone against criticism or unfair treatment.