sticking around for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sticking around for a while" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is primarily used when referring to someone staying in a certain place for an extended period of time. For example: I'm planning on sticking around for a while so I can meet more people in the city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's hope they stick around for a while.

The New York Times - Sports

"I hope to stick around for a while".

The New York Times - Sports

Here's his chance to stick around for a while.

The New York Times - Food

…and they're likely to stick around for a while.

The Guardian

"At St Pancras, it's a pleasure to stick around for a while.

Independent

We stuck around for a while, hoping he might change his mind and return.

The New York Times

If Fishtag can do no worse than fair, maybe it'll stick around for a while.

The New Yorker

They died in L.A. and told me to stick around for a while.

The Guardian - Books

Now he needs Conor to not just win, but stick around for a while.

The Guardian - Sport

WHEN barbers set up shop in Pound Ridge, they usually stick around for a while.

The New York Times

This is also expected to stick around for a while and is doing great business.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sticking around for a while" when you want to convey a temporary but not fleeting presence. It suggests a deliberate choice to remain in a place or situation for a noticeable duration.

Common error

Avoid using "sticking around for a while" if you intend to communicate a permanent stay or commitment. It's better suited for temporary situations. For permanent scenarios, consider alternatives like "settling down" or "establishing roots".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sticking around for a while" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb, adverb, or adjective. It specifies the duration of an action or state, indicating that something or someone remains in a particular place or situation for a non-negligible period. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sticking around for a while" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate a temporary but noticeable duration of stay. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is valid. Its register leans towards informal and it is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "remaining for some time" if a more professional tone is required. The phrase is useful for expressing the intention to stay longer than a fleeting moment, but not indefinitely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuing to be present

Focuses on the unbroken state of existence in a particular location.

remaining for some time

Emphasizes the act of staying instead of potentially leaving.

prolonging one's stay

Suggests an active decision to extend the duration of a visit or presence.

lingering for a period

Suggests a more passive form of staying, often with a slight delay in departure.

staying put for a bit

A more informal way of saying staying in one place for a short duration.

residing for an extended duration

Implies a more formal or permanent sense of staying in a place.

hanging about for a spell

An informal alternative, emphasizing a casual or relaxed presence.

lodging for a length of time

Suggests temporary accommodation or residence for a considerable period.

tarrying for a while

A slightly old-fashioned way of saying staying longer than expected.

sticking with it for the long haul

Highlights commitment to a task or activity over an extended period.

FAQs

How can I use "sticking around for a while" in a sentence?

You can use "sticking around for a while" to indicate a temporary but noticeable duration of stay. For example, "I'm /s/sticking+around+for+a+while to help with the project" or "The band is /s/sticking+around+for+a+while to sign autographs after the show".

What are some alternatives to "sticking around for a while"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "remaining for some time", "lingering for a period", or "staying put for a bit".

Is "sticking around for a while" formal or informal?

"Sticking around for a while" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "remaining for an extended period" or "continuing to reside".

Can "sticking around for a while" imply a negative connotation?

While generally neutral, "sticking around for a while" can have a slightly negative connotation if it implies someone is overstaying their welcome or prolonging a situation unnecessarily. Context is key.