sticking to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sticking to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote commitment or adherence to something, such as an idea, plan, or schedule. For example, "We are sticking to our original plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We're sticking to our guns".

The New York Times

I'm also sticking to nonfiction.

The New York Times - Books

I'm sticking to it".

The Guardian - Books

We're sticking to it.

The New York Times

We are sticking to the plan.

The Guardian - Business

He is sticking to the same script.

The New York Times

That is not sticking to the plan.

Independent

Is he recommending sticking to facts only?

The Economist

"They're sticking to their strategy".

The New York Times

And he's sticking to it.

The New York Times - Books

And he's sticking to that".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sticking to" to convey a sense of commitment, perseverance, or maintaining a consistent course of action, particularly when plans or principles are involved.

Common error

While "sticking to" is widely applicable, consider more formal alternatives like "adhering to" or "complying with" in academic or professional writing to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sticking to" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of maintaining commitment or adherence to something, whether it be a plan, a principle, or a course of action. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis, which confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sticking to" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that conveys commitment and adherence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "adhering to" for academic or professional settings. To ensure clarity and precision in your writing, remember that "sticking to" implies a consistent course of action, and selecting the most appropriate synonym can enhance the formality and impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keeping to

Similar in meaning, but can also imply following a path or route.

adhering to

More formal alternative that emphasizes strict compliance with rules or principles.

abiding by

Suggests acceptance and obedience to a set of rules or agreements.

complying with

Focuses on obeying rules or regulations, implying a sense of obligation.

holding to

Emphasizes a firm grip or determination in maintaining a position or belief.

maintaining

Highlights the act of keeping something in its current state or condition.

remaining true to

Highlights loyalty and faithfulness to a commitment or belief.

upholding

Emphasizes defending or supporting a principle or decision.

standing by

Implies supporting or defending something, even in difficult circumstances.

observing

More formal and suggests careful adherence to customs, rules, or laws.

FAQs

How can I use "sticking to" in a sentence?

You can use "sticking to" to indicate adherence to a plan, idea, or principle. For example, "We are "sticking to" the budget" or "She is "sticking to" her principles".

What phrases are similar to "sticking to"?

Similar phrases include "adhering to", "complying with", "keeping to", and "abiding by", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "sticking to" in writing?

"Sticking to" is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, from informal conversations to news articles. However, for academic or formal business writing, consider more precise alternatives like "adhering to" or "maintaining".

What's the difference between "sticking to" and "adhering to"?

"Sticking to" implies a general commitment or consistency, while "adhering to" suggests a stricter, more formal compliance with rules or principles. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.