get stuck

USAGE SUMMARY

"get stuck" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression commonly used to describe a situation when one has difficulty getting through, over, or past something. For example, "I got stuck in traffic this morning, so I was late to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They get stuck.

The New York Times

We get stuck in.

Independent

Mules occasionally get stuck.

The New York Times

"Your shoes get stuck".

The New York Times

Pizza can get stuck.

The New York Times

Let's get stuck into Sudoku.

Independent

"If you won't get stuck".

The New Yorker

"If we get stuck, we get stuck," he said.

The New York Times

Do get stuck in!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We all get stuck.

The Guardian

Businesses get stuck.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get stuck" to describe a problem-solving situation, consider adding context to clarify what caused the issue, such as, "They often "get stuck" when trying to implement the new algorithm."

Common error

While "get stuck" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic papers. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "reach an impasse" or "encounter difficulties" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get stuck" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a state of being impeded or unable to progress. Ludwig provides many examples where the phrase is used to describe physical obstructions, mental blocks, or problems encountered in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get stuck" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to describe being impeded or unable to progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While suitable for most situations, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional settings. Its frequency is especially high in news, media and Wiki sources. Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing whether to use "get stuck" or a more formal alternative like "reach an impasse" or "encounter difficulties".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become trapped

Focuses on the state of being physically confined or unable to move.

be bogged down

Emphasizes being slowed down or hindered, often in a metaphorical sense.

be at a standstill

Indicates a complete halt in activity or progress.

be held up

Implies a delay or obstruction, preventing someone from moving forward.

reach an impasse

Highlights a situation where progress is impossible due to a deadlock.

reach a dead end

Indicates that no further progress or solutions are possible.

grind to a halt

Suggests a gradual cessation of movement or progress.

hit a snag

Highlights encountering an unexpected obstacle or problem.

find oneself in a bind

Describes a difficult or awkward situation.

encounter a problem

A general term for facing a difficulty that impedes progress.

FAQs

How can I use "get stuck" in a sentence?

"Get stuck" can describe physical situations like "The car "got stuck" in the mud" or abstract problems such as "I "get stuck" on this math problem every time".

What's a more formal alternative to "get stuck"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "reach an impasse", "encounter difficulties", or "become mired" as alternatives to "get stuck".

Is it correct to say "gotten stuck" instead of "got stuck"?

Both "got stuck" and "gotten stuck" are grammatically correct, but "got stuck" is more common in British English while "gotten stuck" is more prevalent in American English.

What's the difference between "get stuck" and "be stuck"?

"Get stuck" implies the action of becoming trapped or unable to progress, while "be stuck" describes the state of being in that condition. For instance, "The wheel "got stuck"" describes the event, whereas "The wheel is stuck" describes its current state.