stick down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stick down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to adhering or attaching something to a surface, often with glue or adhesive. Example: "Make sure to stick down the edges of the paper to prevent it from curling up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please put the stick down and go inside your house for now.

The New Yorker

ALEPPO, SYRIA — Kneeling on a rooftop, a woman jams a stick down a long pipe.

The New York Times

Coat the back of the fabric with adhesive and stick down over the strip.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I had about seven or eight strands, which I had to stick down using gel.

The Guardian - Sport

I slam my stick down, and miraculously I stop the ball.

The New York Times - Arts

"Joey probably had the fastest car," Harvick said, "but he couldn't make the pass stick down low".

The New York Times

You can see if you look at the clip that I was concentrating on putting my stick down.

The New York Times

Islanders defenseman Kenny Jonsson resisted the urge to slam his hockey stick down on the goal post.

The New York Times - Sports

When I put my stick down and changed my hands he accelerated again and was going away at the line".

The Guardian - Sport

But Hunter sprang toward Delmore and clamped his stick down on top of Delmore's, dissolving his scoring chance.

The New York Times - Sports

I thought we were beat a furlong out and put my stick down and he ran on again".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stick down" in instructions, be specific about the type of adhesive or method to use for best results. For example, "Stick down the fabric using fabric glue for a permanent hold."

Common error

Avoid using "stick down" when a more precise verb is appropriate. For instance, instead of "Stick down the frame to the wall", consider "Mount the frame to the wall using screws."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stick down" is that of a phrasal verb. It describes the action of causing something to adhere or affix to a surface. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from physical adhesion to metaphorical attachment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

35%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stick down" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the act of adhering or attaching something to a surface. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and frequency across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki. While versatile, it's important to consider more precise alternatives for formal writing or when specific methods of attachment are relevant. Remember to be clear about the method of adhesion and avoid overgeneralization in your writing. With its widespread use, mastering the nuances of "stick down" will enhance clarity and effectiveness in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attach

A general term for connecting something.

adhere

Implies sticking firmly to a surface.

affix

A more formal synonym for attaching something.

glue

Refers specifically to attaching with adhesive.

fasten

Suggests a secure attachment, often with a fastener.

paste

Similar to glue, implies using a sticky substance.

secure

Highlights the stability of the attachment.

fix

Suggests making something stable or permanent.

cement

Implies a very strong, permanent bond.

tack

Refers to fastening with tacks or small nails.

FAQs

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

You can use "stick down" to describe adhering something to a surface, as in, "Make sure to stick down the edges of the poster so it doesn't peel off the wall."

What's a good alternative to "stick down" for formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "affix", "adhere", or "attach" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "stick down"?

Yes, "stick down" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb commonly used in English.

What's the difference between "stick down" and "glue"?

"Stick down" is a phrasal verb that describes the action of adhering something, while "glue" is a noun that refers to the adhesive substance itself. You "stick down" something using "glue".