sticking

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sticking' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the action of adhering or attaching something firmly, or to describe when someone gets stuck and unable to move. For example: "I stepped in gum and it was sticking to my shoe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I came away feeling that if I wasn't already a Liberal Democrat, Nick's welcome references to sticking to our own values and beliefs may have been a tad confusing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rhetorical devices his speechwriters love to use have been rejected by him in favour of sticking with this, his original wording.

The Guardian - Opinion

More recently, it chose to ride out the Tiger Woods adultery storm, sticking with the golf star when other sponsors dropped him.

The Guardian - Sport

I was going to go through this phase and stick with it, keep sticking with it," said Woods, who has won the competition five times.

The Guardian - Sport

Can you bear sticking in eye drops and getting them to use nasal sprays?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But then his attention fell upon the dagger of bone sticking out of my gum.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add the rice and stir continuously for five minutes to stop it sticking to the bottom of the pan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Given that so many people I spoke to in Heywood and Middleton said they were switching their vote from Labour to Ukip "because Labour doesn't listen to us", Miliband's insistence on sticking to the script seemed foolish in the extreme.

The Guardian

If you think you can taste chloride, then sticking the water under a cover in the fridge for half an hour gets rid of it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I went to the bathroom alone and after half an hour my friend found me collapsed face-down in a cubicle, with the door locked and my feet sticking out from underneath it," she says.

The Guardian

Your new book borrows much from real life events and modern science too doesn't it (it's a clunky segue, but I'm sticking with it)? Yes of course.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sticking" to describe the physical act of attachment, be precise about the method and strength of the bond.

Common error

Avoid using "sticking" in highly formal or abstract contexts where more sophisticated vocabulary like "adhering", "upholding", or "maintaining" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The term "sticking" primarily functions as a present participle, often used within continuous verb tenses. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness, and examples show it describing ongoing actions such as "sticking to our own values" or "sticking out of my gum".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Sport

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sticking" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a present participle. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Its usage ranges from describing physical adhesion to representing commitment and persistence. While generally neutral in register, it is particularly frequent in contexts such as news, lifestyle, and sport. Although "sticking" is commonly used, it's essential to consider the context and formality level, opting for synonyms like "adhering" or "maintaining" in more formal settings. Remember to use "sticking" effectively to communicate continuous actions and conditions, aligning with best practices for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhering

Emphasizes a firm and lasting attachment or commitment.

clinging

Suggests a tight, sometimes desperate, hold or attachment.

maintaining

Focuses on continuing a course of action or belief despite challenges.

persisting

Highlights the act of continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action.

remaining

Implies staying in a particular condition or place.

fastening

Focuses on physically attaching or securing something.

bonding

Describes the process of forming a close connection or relationship.

remaining loyal

Highlights steadfast support or allegiance to a person, group, or cause.

standing by

Indicates readiness to support or defend someone or something.

continuing to support

Emphasizes ongoing endorsement or assistance.

FAQs

How can I use "sticking" in a sentence?

You can use "sticking" to describe something physically attached (e.g., "The gum was sticking to my shoe.") or to describe adherence to a plan or idea (e.g., "They are sticking to their original strategy.").

What are some alternatives to using "sticking"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "adhering", "clinging", or "maintaining".

Is there a difference between "sticking to" and "adhering to"?

"Sticking to" is generally more informal and implies a practical or determined approach, while "adhering to" is more formal and suggests strict compliance with rules or principles.

When is it appropriate to use "sticking" versus "adhering"?

Use "sticking" in informal or everyday contexts. Use "adhering" in more formal, academic, or professional settings where precision and a higher register of language are required.