is stuck on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is stuck on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is fixated or unable to move past a particular thought, idea, or situation. Example: "She is stuck on the idea that she needs to be perfect in everything she does."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

In any case, the main point of the paper is that global warming is stuck on fast forward.

The Guardian

"Limera1n is stuck on every device that ever shipped that had that bug".

TechCrunch

And just as Democrats are stuck on $0 for the wall, Trump is stuck on $5.7 billion.

Huffington Post

In a similar way Iggy Azalea, a white Australian woman, is stuck on one mood.

The New York Times - Arts

The Yankees (28-21) have played 49 games, but Cone is stuck on one victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, an insulating tape (approximately 150 μm in thickness) with a circular window of 6 mm in diameter is stuck on one side of the Si thin film.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Handy to know for when one is stuck on a desert island.

The Guardian - Music

At one point the deputy PM cum transport boss is stuck on a train and trying to escape angry commuters.

The Guardian

"Race fans for McCain," however, is stuck on about every fourth person here.Gary Mozingo is wearing one.

The Economist

Her face is stuck on my fridge.

Independent

Even if it is Stuck On You.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “is stuck on” to describe emotional fixation, but ensure the context clarifies the emotional state. Example: “He is stuck on his ex-girlfriend” provides a different context than “He is stuck on a coding problem.”

Common error

Avoid using "is stuck on" when you mean physically attached. For instance, instead of saying "The label is stuck on the bottle", use "The label is affixed to the bottle" or "The label is adhered to the bottle". "Is stuck on" tends to imply an inability to progress or a mental fixation, not just a physical connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is stuck on" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject. It indicates that the subject is in a position where it cannot easily move forward or is fixated on something. Ludwig AI confirms its broad usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is stuck on" is a common and versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a state of being unable to progress, either physically or mentally. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its frequency across various sources, especially News & Media, indicates its widespread acceptance and applicability. When using "is stuck on", consider the context to avoid ambiguity, particularly when referring to physical attachments versus metaphorical fixations. Alternatives like is fixated on or "is hung up on" can provide more specific nuances, depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fixated on

This alternative implies a strong focus or obsession, which is similar to being unable to move past something.

is fixated upon

Implies a strong focus or obsession, closely mirroring the sense of being unable to move past something.

is hung up on

Suggests an emotional attachment or inability to let go of a thought or idea.

is fixated with

This alternative implies a strong focus or obsession, which is similar to being unable to move past something.

is attached to

Indicates a literal or emotional connection, making it difficult to separate from something.

is glued to

Suggests a strong, often visual, fixation on something.

is unable to move past

Directly conveys the inability to progress beyond a specific point or issue.

is obsessed with

Implies an overwhelming preoccupation with something, similar to being fixated.

is riveted on

Suggests a state of being completely engrossed or captivated by something.

is dependent on

Conveys a state of reliance or need, which can make it difficult to move away from something.

FAQs

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

You can use "is stuck on" to describe a situation where something is fixated or unable to progress. For example, "The car "is stuck on" the ice" or "He "is stuck on" a problem."

What can I say instead of "is stuck on" to describe a problem?

Alternatives include "is bogged down", "is delayed by", or "is held up by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is stuck on" or "is stick on"?

"Is stuck on" is the correct form. "Is stick on" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "is stuck on" and "is fixated on"?

"Is stuck on" can refer to both physical and mental states of being unable to progress, while "is fixated on" typically refers to a mental obsession or preoccupation.