stay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as asking someone to remain in a place or to continue a certain behavior. Example: "Please stay for a few more minutes so we can discuss the project further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Should I stay or should I go?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stay classy, Sally.

The Guardian - Film

A Labour source said that, given teenagers have a "tremendous vested interest in whether or not we stay in the EU or leave", there could be a strong appetite for amending the EU referendum bill in the Lords, even if Labour and the SNP fail to recruit the relatively small number of Tory rebels they would need to defeat the government in the Commons.

The Guardian

Gillard backer Gary Gray said he had agreed to stay on as resources minister, but was still blunt in his assessment that Gillard's leadership had been killed off by a constant campaign of destabilisation by Rudd supporters.

The Guardian

"We will stay up on the balcony for as long as it takes," said a 21-year-old woman who gave her name as Mouse.

The Guardian

Stay with us.

The Guardian

"Stay tuned," he said.

The New York Times

A friend of mine runs a website in Amsterdam, which is called, in Dutch, We Are Here to Stay.

The Guardian

In a later Ask Farage programme on the BBC, the Ukip leader Nigel Farage said the rise of SNP shows Ukip could thrive even if Britain voted to stay in EU.

The Guardian

Back in 2012, when Ukip commanded just 3% of public support, more people wanted to leave the EU than to stay in.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Right now we just want to stay focused, keep the horse happy, healthy.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stay", ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning, whether it's remaining in a place, delaying an action, or supporting something. Use synonyms like "remain", "linger", or "tarry" for nuanced expression.

Common error

Avoid using "stay" interchangeably with verbs that imply a permanent change, such as "settle". "Stay" generally suggests a temporary or indefinite period, while "settle" indicates establishing a permanent residence or condition.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stay" is a verb, indicating the action of remaining in a particular place or condition. It can also function as a noun, denoting a period of time spent in a place or a postponement. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of "stay" in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "stay" is a versatile term functioning primarily as a verb, indicating the action of remaining or continuing in a place or state. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. While neutral in register, "stay" appears most frequently in news and media sources. When choosing alternatives, consider synonyms like "remain", "linger", or "abide" to nuance your expression. Pay attention to the context to avoid misinterpretations, and remember that "stay" generally suggests a temporary state, differing from verbs that imply permanence, like "settle".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain

Focuses on continuing in the same state or place, often implying a lack of movement or change.

wait

Emphasizes remaining in place until a specific event or time.

continue

Focuses on the ongoing nature of an action or state.

abide

Implies dwelling or residing in a place for an extended period.

stick around

Suggests remaining in a place or with a group, often informally.

linger

Suggests prolonging one's presence, often with a sense of reluctance or enjoyment.

tarry

Indicates a temporary delay or stop during a journey.

sojourn

Refers to a temporary stay as a traveler or guest.

hold up

In the context of supporting or delaying something.

keep back

Suggests restraining or withholding someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "stay" in a sentence?

"Stay" can be used in various contexts, such as "Please stay a while longer", "We need to stay focused", or "The governor granted a stay of execution".

What can I say instead of "stay"?

You can use alternatives like "remain", "linger", "abide", or "tarry" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "stay" and "remain"?

"Stay" often implies a shorter or less formal duration than "remain". "Remain" suggests a more lasting or permanent continuation in a place or state.

Is it correct to say "stay put"?

Yes, "stay put" is a common idiom that means to remain in the same place, especially when instructed to do so.