is stuck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is stuck' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is literally stuck, or figuratively to describe the feeling of being stuck in a situation. For example: "I can't get this jar open - the lid is stuck!" or "I'm stuck in this job - I don't know how to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Abbas is stuck.

The New York Times

The idea is stuck.

The Economist

He is stuck.

The New Yorker

Britain is stuck.

The Guardian - Opinion

From 1940, he is stuck.

Independent

But BBC World is stuck.

The Economist

Sony is stuck with it.

Independent

No wonder she is stuck.

The New Yorker

And everybody else is stuck".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Now he is stuck.

The Guardian - Books

Without Flextech, BSkyB is stuck.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "is stuck" with a more specific term if the context allows for it. For example, instead of "the car is stuck", try "the car is mired in mud".

Common error

While "is stuck" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "is immobilized", "is unable to proceed", or "is at an impasse" to add variety and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is stuck" functions as a verb phrase where "is" is a linking verb and "stuck" is an adjective. It describes a state of being unable to move or progress, whether literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is stuck" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of being unable to move or progress, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently in neutral contexts such as news and media, making it versatile for various communication styles. While generally acceptable, overusing "is stuck" in formal writing should be avoided by using more precise alternatives. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its wide range of applications, reinforcing its validity and common usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is trapped

Implies a physical inability to move, similar to being stuck.

is immobilized

Suggests a lack of movement or progress, similar to being stuck.

is unable to proceed

Focuses on the inability to continue or advance, similar to being stuck in a process.

is at a standstill

Indicates a complete halt in progress, mirroring the idea of being stuck.

is in a rut

Implies being trapped in a repetitive or unfulfilling situation, akin to being stuck.

is deadlocked

Highlights a situation where progress is impossible due to opposing forces, similar to being stuck in negotiations.

is gridlocked

Suggests a complete blockage or standstill, often in the context of traffic or systems, similar to being stuck.

is bogged down

Indicates being hindered or delayed, similar to being stuck in a complex task.

is held up

Suggests being delayed or obstructed, akin to being stuck due to external factors.

is in a bind

Implies a difficult situation with limited options, similar to being stuck with a problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "is stuck" to describe a physical state, like "The key is stuck in the lock", or a metaphorical one, such as "The project is stuck due to lack of funding".

What are some alternatives to saying "is stuck"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "is trapped", "is immobilized", or "is at a standstill".

Is it correct to say "was stucked" instead of "was stuck"?

No, "was stucked" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past participle of "stick" is "stuck", so the correct phrase is "was stuck".

What's the difference between "is stuck" and "is bogged down"?

"Is stuck" generally implies an inability to move or progress, while "is bogged down" suggests being slowed down or hindered by complexities or difficulties.