stick through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stick through" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be a misinterpretation of "stick with" or "stick to," which are commonly used expressions. Example: "I will stick with my decision despite the challenges ahead."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's not the sort of thing you stick through the local garage on a Sunday.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I know that the four of us belong to those that stick through everything.

The New York Times - Books

You will need to choose something that you care about enough to stick through difficulty.

WikiHow

Caught by the police, he was carried "like a pig on a stick through the crowd".

Independent

"Farrah is an amazing lady to stick through this," Ben told me.

The New York Times

Someone poked the duchess with a stick through an open window.

The New York Times

"Someone from the second floor was trying to draw attention by inserting a stick through a narrow hole.

The New York Times

It was a battlefield kind of gore, the bone poking through like a stick through a garbage bag.

The New Yorker

Maybe later he could run a bamboo stick through a piece of steak and cook it in there.

The New Yorker

The process is simple enough: chop a hole in the ice, drop the stick through and measure the ice's thickness.

The New York Times

He rotates the ends of a celery stick through a bowl of it like a kayak oar.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In contexts where "stick through" describes physically attaching objects, consider more precise verbs like "impale", "skewer", or "fasten" for enhanced clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "stick through" in formal documents or academic papers. This phrase is often perceived as colloquial. Opt for alternatives like "persevere" or "endure" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stick through" functions as a phrasal verb, often used to describe the act of enduring or persevering during a challenging experience. However, Ludwig AI notes it's not considered correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

29%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "stick through" is frequently used, particularly in informal contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. Ludwig AI suggests opting for more precise and formal alternatives such as "persevere through", "endure throughout", or "remain committed to" for clarity and professionalism. When describing physical actions, consider verbs like "impale" or "skewer". Given its grammatical status, exercise caution and choose context-appropriate synonyms to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persevere through

Emphasizes continuing despite difficulties, similar to "stick through" when referring to challenging situations. However it's a more formal term.

endure throughout

Highlights the act of bearing something for an extended period, akin to "stick through" in contexts of long-term commitment.

persist with

Suggests maintaining effort or commitment. Differs slightly in focusing on the action rather than the duration or difficulty.

see through

Implies completing something despite challenges. It is more concise and direct than "stick through".

remain committed to

Highlights a steadfast dedication. More formal and emphasizes a conscious decision to stay involved.

hold fast to

Focuses on maintaining a grip or a belief. Implies resistance against forces trying to dislodge or change it.

fix with a rod

Describes physically securing something, specifically using a rod-shaped object. Suitable when "stick through" refers to physical attachment.

secure with a skewer

Implies fastening or impaling something using a skewer. Appropriate when "stick through" describes piercing.

impale with a stake

Describes piercing or transfixing with a pointed object like a stake. Carries a stronger connotation of penetration and fixation.

push a rod across

Suggests moving a stick-like object from one side to the other. Suitable in contexts involving linear movement through something.

FAQs

Is "stick through" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "stick through" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. It may be a misinterpretation of other similar phrases, such as "stick with" or "stick to".

What are some alternatives to "stick through" when referring to enduring a difficult situation?

When referring to enduring a difficult situation, you can use alternatives like "persevere through", "endure throughout", or "remain committed to".

How can I use a more precise verb instead of "stick through" when referring to physically attaching something?

For contexts involving physically attaching objects, consider using verbs like "impale", "skewer", or "fasten" for enhanced clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "stick through"?

While "stick through" is commonly used, especially in informal contexts, it is generally advisable to use more standard English alternatives in formal writing. In informal conversation, it may be acceptable, but always consider your audience and the desired level of formality.