a stickler for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stickler for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom used to describe someone who is very strict about something. For example, "John is a stickler for punctuality - he's always on time for work and appointments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I'm a stickler for that.

The New Yorker

She's a stickler for healthy food.

The New York Times

Williams is also a stickler for preparation.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm a stickler for truth.

The Guardian

He's a stickler for details".

The New York Times - Sports

"Carey's a stickler for truth," he said.

The New York Times

I wasn't a stickler for studying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fisher is a stickler for details.

The New York Times - Sports

But why be a stickler for details?

The New York Times

Athill is a stickler for directness.

The Guardian - Books

McHale is a stickler for detail.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stickler for" to clearly convey that someone places a high value on a specific attribute, standard, or procedure. For instance, "The editor was a stickler for factual accuracy."

Common error

Avoid using "a stickler for" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be necessary. Instead of "The researcher is a stickler for methodology", consider "The researcher adheres strictly to established methodologies."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stickler for" functions as a descriptive idiom, typically used to characterize someone who insists on a particular quality or standard. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in describing various traits and behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "a stickler for" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone who is very particular about something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and understood. While primarily found in news and media, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality; in highly formal settings, consider more precise alternatives like "uncompromising on" or "meticulous regarding". With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "a stickler for" remains a reliable and effective choice for conveying insistence on specific standards or qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strict about

Highlights the adherence to rules and guidelines.

very particular about

Emphasizes specific preferences and requirements.

insistent on

Focuses on the act of insisting, highlighting firmness in upholding standards.

meticulous regarding

Highlights the attention to detail and thoroughness applied.

uncompromising on

Underscores the rigidity and lack of flexibility regarding a standard.

demands precision in

Emphasizes the demand for accuracy and detail.

perfectionist about

Focuses on striving for flawlessness in a particular domain.

exacting with

Stresses the high standards someone sets and maintains.

firm believer in

Highlights strong conviction in the importance of something.

holds sacred

Implies treating something with great reverence and importance.

FAQs

How can I use "a stickler for" in a sentence?

You can use "a stickler for" to describe someone who insists on something or pays close attention to certain things. For example, "My boss is a stickler for deadlines."

What's the difference between "strict about" and "a stickler for"?

While both phrases indicate a firm adherence to something, "a stickler for" often implies a more personal and perhaps idiosyncratic insistence, whereas "strict about" is generally more about enforcing established rules or standards.

What can I say instead of "a stickler for"?

You can use alternatives like "insistent on", "demands precision in", or "very particular about" depending on the context.

Is "a stickler for" too informal for professional writing?

While "a stickler for" is generally acceptable, for very formal professional writing, consider using alternatives like "uncompromising on" or "meticulous regarding" to maintain a more elevated tone.