stick closer

USAGE SUMMARY

"stick closer" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to suggest maintaining proximity or loyalty to someone or something. Example: "I need you to stick closer to me during the event." Alternative expressions include "stay near" and "remain close."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

He decided to stick closer to home, and focus on the moon.

The New York Times

But Ms. Morrison has a family member in bad health and needs to stick closer to home.

The New York Times

"The economy put a lot of pressure on us," Ms. Firestone said, "and the Iraq war made us want to stick closer to home".

The New York Times

Perhaps the most obvious difference is that the new movie will stick closer to the television show, which is most people's point of reference for the Hulk.

The New York Times

But bargain hunters can find that same laid-back surfer cool if they stick closer to the region's well-connected airport in Aguadilla, on the island's northwest tip.

The New York Times - Travel

And while the title track ventures bravely (and, believe it or not, successfully) into prog-rock, most of the best songs stick closer to home.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Stick close to the text.

The New Yorker

Tony Blair's idea was to stick close to the superpower.

The Economist

"Just stick close to yourself and be not too friendly.

The New York Times - Sports

One strategy could be to find a high-flyer and stick close.

The Economist

Third, unlike Britain, most of the outs want to stick close to the euro zone.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "stick closer" to a plan or strategy, ensure they understand the specific reasons and benefits of doing so. Context is key to effective adherence.

Common error

Avoid using "stick closer" in contexts where flexibility and adaptation are crucial. Overly rigid adherence can stifle innovation and problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stick closer" functions primarily as a phrasal verb suggesting the act of maintaining physical proximity or adhering more strictly to something. Ludwig's examples show its usage in diverse contexts, from physical safety to adherence to plans.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

19%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stick closer" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to advise maintaining physical proximity or adhering strictly to a plan. Ludwig's examples indicate its versatility, spanning from travel safety to project management. While primarily used in neutral contexts, alternatives like "stay closer" or "adhere more closely" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance desired. Based on these findings, "stick closer" is a reliable and adaptable phrase for various communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay closer

Simple substitution, focusing on maintaining proximity.

keep close

Highlights maintaining a close physical or emotional connection.

remain nearer

Emphasizes physical proximity, suggesting staying in a closer physical range.

adhere more closely

Focuses on strict adherence to rules or guidelines.

follow more tightly

Implies closely following a path or instruction.

maintain proximity

Formal alternative emphasizing the act of keeping near.

cling closer

Suggests a more desperate or emotional need for closeness.

hug closer

Emphasizes physical embrace and closeness.

shadow more closely

Implies following someone's actions or movements very attentively.

stay attached

Highlights the idea of remaining connected or linked.

FAQs

How can I use "stick closer" in a sentence?

You can use "stick closer" to advise someone to maintain physical proximity or to adhere more closely to a plan or idea. For example, "During the hike, it's best to stick closer to the guide" or "To achieve the desired results, we need to stick closer to the original strategy".

What does it mean to "stick closer" to something?

To "stick closer" to something means to remain near it, adhere to it more closely, or maintain a strong connection with it. This can refer to physical proximity, like staying close to someone in a crowd, or to following a plan or set of rules more strictly.

Which is correct, "stick closer to" or "stick close to"?

Both "stick closer to" and "stick close to" are correct and commonly used. However, "stick close to" is slightly more common and implies a general closeness, while "stick closer to" suggests a comparison or a need to be even more adherent.

What are some alternative phrases to "stick closer"?

Some alternative phrases to "stick closer" include "stay closer", "keep close", or "adhere more closely". The best choice depends on the specific context.