has got stuck

USAGE SUMMARY

"has got stuck" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation wherein a person or an object is stuck in a particular state or position; for example, "The jammed doorknob has got stuck and cannot be opened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

On Pfizer, Cameron says the govenrment has got stuck in demanding assurances.

The Guardian

While lunch and dinner have been transformed by their exposure to other cultures, breakfast has got stuck in a rut.

Independent

It got through the House by a mere seven votes and has got stuck in the Senate.

The Economist

The truck carrying oranges, including those from his garden, has got stuck on a rain-soaked road.

The Guardian

As Chrysler owes its existence to Mr Marchionne, its managers have given him the benefit of the doubt as he has got stuck into turning the firm around.

The Economist

I love this work, for all its stumblings - places where the artist has got stuck and has seized at what lay close.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Our power to innovate kind of has gotten stuck in a plethora of regulatory constraints.

The New York Times

Carter's request apparently has gotten stuck in the same bureaucracy it was trying to jettison.

The Washington Post

"Pet insurance has gotten stuck in a vicious cycle," he adds.

TechCrunch

The reality is that the escalator to the middle class has gotten stuck.

HuffPost

James Brown had got stuck in front of the James Brown display.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has got stuck" to describe situations where progress is impeded, either physically or metaphorically. For instance, "The negotiation has got stuck on the issue of funding."

Common error

While "has got stuck" is acceptable, consider using "has become stuck" or "is stuck" in more formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has got stuck" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a state of being unable to move or progress. As noted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has got stuck" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is unable to move or progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain settings. Its usage is prevalent in News & Media, as well as Science, making it a versatile phrase for describing both tangible and abstract situations. While generally neutral, be mindful of the register and consider alternatives like "is stuck" or "has become stuck" for more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is jammed

Focuses on a mechanical blockage or obstruction preventing movement.

is stalled

Highlights a sudden stop or interruption in progress.

is held up

Emphasizes a temporary delay or impediment.

is bogged down

Suggests being trapped or overwhelmed by something.

is immobilized

Implies a complete loss of movement or function.

is gridlocked

Indicates a situation where movement is completely blocked.

is marooned

Describes being isolated and unable to move from a location.

is mired

Suggests being deeply entangled or stuck in a difficult situation.

is halted

Focuses on an abrupt cessation of movement or progress.

is trapped

Highlights being confined and unable to escape.

FAQs

How can I use "has got stuck" in a sentence?

You can use "has got stuck" to indicate that something or someone is unable to move or progress. For example, "The car "has got stuck" in the mud."

What's a more formal alternative to "has got stuck"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "has become stuck", "is impeded", or "is stalled" instead of "has got stuck".

Is "has got stuck" grammatically correct?

Yes, "has got stuck" is grammatically correct and commonly used, although some may consider it slightly informal.

What is the difference between "has got stuck" and "is stuck"?

While both phrases are similar in meaning, "has got stuck" can sometimes imply a more recent or sudden occurrence of being stuck, whereas "is stuck" can describe a more general or ongoing state.