stick to it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stick to it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to remain focused on a task or stay determined in achieving a goal. Example: "Don't let any obstacles hold you back - stick to it and you'll reach your goals!".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You stick to it.

The New York Times

"I got to stick to it".

The New York Times - Sports

We have to stick to it".

The New York Times - Sports

You have to stick to it.

The New York Times

And do you stick to it?

The New York Times

You need to stick to it".

The New York Times

We will stick to it," he said.

The Guardian

And stick to it.

Forbes

"I made it; I stick to it.

BBC

My clothes stick to it.

Huffington Post

Then "I stick to it".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair it with specific plans or budgets (e.g. 'set a budget and stick to it') to provide concrete advice.

Common error

Avoid using 'stick it to', which is a completely different idiom meaning to treat someone harshly or to rebel against an authority (e.g. 'stick it to the man'). Ensure the preposition 'to' follows 'stick' and precedes the object 'it' when you mean to persevere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stick to it" functions as a phrasal verb construction where stick serves as the head verb, followed by the preposition to and the neuter pronoun it. In most Ludwig examples, it operates as an intransitive phrasal verb cluster expressing a state of persistence. It is frequently found in imperative sentences or as part of a compound predicate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

68%

News & Media

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0.5%

Academia

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "stick to it" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase used to encourage consistency. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across a variety of reliable sources, notably in instructional and motivational contexts. Whether you are discussing financial budgets, medical regimens or personal goals, this phrase serves as a powerful call to action. While it is perfectly acceptable in most writing, authors seeking a higher level of formality might consider alternatives like adhere to it or "remain steadfast". Overall, it remains a staple of the English language for expressing the virtue of grit and determination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhere to it

More formal and often used in technical, legal or medical contexts regarding rules and protocols.

keep at it

Slightly more informal, emphasizing the ongoing effort rather than the adherence to a specific plan.

persist with it

Formal alternative that highlights continuing a course of action despite difficulty.

stay the course

Idiomatic expression often used in political or strategic contexts to suggest following a plan to the end.

follow through

Focuses on completing an action that was started rather than just continuing a habit.

abide by it

Typically used for rules, laws or decisions rather than general tasks or habits.

persevere

A single-word formal verb that conveys the spirit of not giving up without the object 'it'.

hold to it

Emphasizes remaining loyal to a belief or a specific promise.

sustain it

Focuses on the ability to maintain a certain level of performance or a specific state over time.

stand by it

Suggests defending a decision or statement already made.

FAQs

How to use "stick to it" in a sentence?

You can use "stick to it" to encourage perseverance, such as: "Once you have a plan, you must "stick to it" to see results".

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

Depending on the context, you can say "adhere to it", "keep at it", or "persist with it".

What is the difference between "stick to it" and "stick with it"?

Both are largely interchangeable, but ""stick to it"" often implies following a specific rule or plan, while "stick with it" suggests continuing a general activity or staying near a person.

Is "stick to it" informal?

It is generally considered neutral to informal. While common in news and media, more formal writing might prefer "remain committed to" or "maintain adherence".