sticking out of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sticking out of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is protruding or extending from a surface or object. Example: "The branch was sticking out of the fence, making it difficult to walk by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"His bones were sticking out of his back," she said.

The New York Times

A hand was sticking out of the mud.

The New Yorker

Sticking out of the clod is a shoe.

The New Yorker

Once built, a well consists of a few pipes sticking out of the ground.

The Economist

I read that there were shards sticking out of her leg.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her cart is bright red with an extra shelf sticking out of the front.

The New York Times - Food

I think I saw the top of the Claret Jug sticking out of his bag.

The New York Times

"You find bones sticking out of the dirt and, once you see something, you dig".

The New Yorker

"After two minutes, we looked back and saw two legs sticking out of the foam.

The New Yorker

Once, it was a toffee-colored cow with two feet sticking out of her.

The New Yorker

I lifted him off and there was my son with shrapnel sticking out of his back.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sticking out of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is protruding and from where. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "sticking out of" to describe abstract concepts or ideas. It is best suited for physical objects or tangible items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sticking out of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, describing something that is protruding or extending from a specific location or object. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

31%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sticking out of" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes something protruding or extending from another object or surface. As demonstrated by Ludwig, its neutral tone makes it appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news reports to casual descriptions. While more formal alternatives exist, "sticking out of" remains a clear and common way to convey spatial relationships. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and well-established in English usage. Its high frequency across varied sources confirms its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protruding from

Focuses on the action of extending outward beyond a surface or boundary.

projecting from

Highlights the act of casting or extending forward.

extending from

Emphasizes the continuous nature of something reaching out from a base.

jutting out of

Suggests a sharp or angular projection.

propping out of

Specifies a situation where something supports another object and extends from it.

emerging from

Implies a gradual appearance from within something.

poking out of

Suggests a small or partial extension, often unexpected.

bulging from

Describes a rounded or swollen protrusion.

rising above

Indicates an upward extension, often implying superiority or dominance.

peeking out of

Describes something that is just barely visible.

FAQs

How do I use "sticking out of" in a sentence?

Use "sticking out of" to describe something that is protruding or extending from something else. For example, "The branch was sticking out of the fence."

What can I say instead of "sticking out of"?

You can use alternatives like "protruding from", "extending from", or "jutting out of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "sticking out of" in formal writing?

While "sticking out of" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "protruding from" or "extending from" in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "sticking out of" and "protruding from"?

"Sticking out of" is a more informal and common way to describe something extending outward, while "protruding from" is more formal and emphasizes the action of extending beyond a surface.