seems to stick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems to stick" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that appears to adhere or remain in place, often in a metaphorical sense, such as an idea or memory. Example: "The concept of sustainability seems to stick with students after the lecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Nothing seems to stick, nothing seems to finish him off.

BBC

Nothing seems to stick on Mr Blair yet.

The Economist

Nothing seems to stick to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The New York Times

Though evolution has some creative freedom, it seems to stick to a few themes.

The New York Times - Science

But what seems to stick in my mind is praise from the wrong people.

The Guardian - Books

"Nothing ever seems to stick," Sam concludes: "Everything just fades away".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Nothing seemed to stick.

The Guardian

Only the books seem to stick.

The New York Times - Books

But the charges never seem to stick.

The Economist

Eventually, some of the paint seemed to stick.

The New Yorker

In fact, though, mud does not seem to stick.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "seems to stick", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of persistence or adherence. It works well in both literal and metaphorical senses.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "seems to stick" as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "appears to remain" or "continues to resonate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems to stick" functions as a qualifying verb phrase. It indicates an observation or impression about something's ability to remain or persist. Ludwig AI provides examples demonstrating its use in diverse contexts, from political analysis to personal reflections.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seems to stick" functions as a verb phrase used to express an observation about something's persistence or memorability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples from diverse sources, indicating its applicability across various contexts. While not extremely common, its usage spans news, scientific, and general domains. Related phrases, such as "appears to remain" and "tends to linger", offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings. Be mindful of overusing the phrase to avoid repetition in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears to adhere

Emphasizes the clinging or sticking aspect more directly, offering a less metaphorical alternative.

appears to remain

Focuses on the visual aspect of remaining, similar to "seems to stick" but emphasizes observation.

tends to linger

Implies a gradual or prolonged persistence, differing from the more immediate sense of "seems to stick".

manages to persist

Highlights the effort or difficulty in remaining, unlike the more neutral tone of "seems to stick".

continues to resonate

Shifts the focus to the emotional or intellectual impact that remains, rather than physical adherence.

has lasting impact

Highlights the long-term effect, differing from the immediate observation in "seems to stick".

remains memorable

Focuses on the quality of being easily remembered, rather than the act of sticking or remaining.

is proving resilient

Highlights the strength and ability to recover or resist change, unlike the more passive observation in "seems to stick".

retains its presence

Emphasizes the ongoing existence or influence, rather than the specific action of sticking.

demonstrates durability

Highlights the capacity to endure or withstand wear and tear, differing from the initial impression in "seems to stick".

FAQs

What does "seems to stick" mean?

The phrase "seems to stick" implies that something appears to remain, persist, or be memorable, often in a way that is noticeable or unexpected.

How can I use "seems to stick" in a sentence?

You can use "seems to stick" to describe ideas, memories, or qualities that endure or are difficult to forget. For example: "The lesson about perseverance "appears to remain" with the students long after the class is over."

What can I say instead of "seems to stick"?

Alternatives to "seems to stick" include "appears to adhere", "tends to linger", or "continues to resonate" depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "seems to stick"?

The phrase "seems to stick" is appropriate in contexts where you want to convey that something has a lasting impression or remains in place, whether literally or metaphorically. It is suitable for both formal and informal writing.