keeps sticking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps sticking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that repeatedly adheres or clings to another surface or object, often in a frustrating or unwanted manner. Example: "The tape keeps sticking to my fingers, making it difficult to wrap the present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Mr. Dendy's "Afternoon of the Faunes" (from "Dream Analysis") keeps sticking in a rut on purpose.

The New York Times

He keeps sticking one part on to another, and he's very proud of it when it's finished, but it doesn't look like anything at all.

The Guardian

Mr. Rowan keeps sticking in educational bits, explanations of opera terms or figures; not all of them ring true, and not all of them are needed.

The New York Times

He was "technically dead" for five days, but made a good recovery, allegedly saying to the first doctor he saw as he came round: "So, you're the bastard who keeps sticking needles into me".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"How can I when Robert Taylor keeps sticking his tongue down my throat?" When the eccentric RKO boss Howard Hughes became interested in her, he sent his lawyer to Mrs Taylor with an offer of $1m to arrange a marriage with her daughter.

The Guardian - Film

Meanwhile, Finn's tumbling act continues, as if the umpire keeps sticking a foot out for a laugh: three times he fell after delivery – once as the ball was on its way from the edge to Matt Prior for his second wicket – and now the bowling coach, David Saker, has sorted his work permit, he can try to look at the problem in earnest.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Cooke said one thing that she keeps stuck on the wall in her study.

The Guardian

"Because I keep sticking my neck out".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But I'll keep sticking up.

The New York Times

"You kept sticking that pin in my bum".

The New York Times - Magazine

– keep sticking his pen right through the heart the common people?

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a recurring problem, use "keeps sticking" to effectively convey the persistent and often frustrating nature of the issue. For example, "The zipper on this jacket keeps sticking, making it difficult to close."

Common error

While "keeps sticking" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Instead, opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "persistently adheres" or "continually affixes" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps sticking" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a continuous or repetitive action. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keeps sticking" is a grammatically sound phrase that describes a recurring action of adhering or becoming lodged. While it appears in various contexts, including news and media, it is considered to have a neutral to informal register, making it more suitable for everyday language than highly formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "continues to adhere" or "persistently clings". While not overly common, the examples from Ludwig confirm it is definitely appropriate in a variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continually sticks

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the ongoing nature.

continues to adhere

Highlights the ongoing nature of the adhesion.

repeatedly adheres

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the sticking.

persistently clings

Emphasizes the tenacity of the sticking action.

remains adhered

Emphasizes the state of being stuck, rather than the action of sticking.

won't stop adhering

Conveys frustration about the continuous sticking action.

refuses to detach

Highlights the inability to separate from the surface.

insistently adheres

Emphasizes the forceful and persistent nature of the sticking.

keeps getting caught

Implies an accidental or unintentional sticking.

regularly becomes lodged

Suggests that the sticking results in something becoming fixed or trapped.

FAQs

What does "keeps sticking" mean?

"Keeps sticking" describes something that repeatedly adheres or becomes lodged, often in an undesirable or frustrating way.

What can I say instead of "keeps sticking"?

You can use alternatives like "continues to adhere", "persistently clings", or "continually sticks" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "keeps sticking"?

Yes, "keeps sticking" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English.

How to use "keeps sticking" in a sentence?

You can use "keeps sticking" to describe anything that repeatedly adheres to a surface. For example: "The label on this bottle keeps sticking to my hand when it gets wet."