stuck

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'stuck' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe being physically stuck, emotionally stuck, mentally stuck, etc. For example, "My car got stuck in the mud and I had to call for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Air ambulances landing now, people still stuck".

The Guardian - Travel

One commuter, Anna Roberts, who works in Victoria, south-west London, was stuck on a Brighton to London train well after 11am.

The Guardian

She's stuck".

The Guardian

"The real question is how do we keep the good parts of innovation without being stuck with the bad," Rajan says.

The Economist

It's a pre-consumerist haven stuck in perpetual slow-mo.

The Guardian - Travel

Or maybe it's because she's been stuck with Brannan, so all the viewers will subconsciously equate the image of her with the image of Gerard Butler's corpse.

The Guardian - Film

One issue upon which they stuck fast - Grade apparently threatened to resign over it - was their opposition to "top-slicing" of the BBC licence fee.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yes, it's an unpleasant mouthful, but it got written down one day and now we're stuck with it.

The Guardian

That's why I've stuck to the position we've always had".

The Guardian

Richards, who has been Ofcom chief executive since 2004 and last year was a candidate to be the BBC director general when George Entwistle got the job last year, admitted he had "stuck around [at Ofcom] a few more years than I ever anticipated".

The Guardian

But in a scene that felt more Office Space than Black Hawk Down, he rose after a moment, stuck his rifle around the corner and fired blindly at an enemy unseen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stuck" to describe a situation, ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the immobility, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical.

Common error

While "stuck" is versatile, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Opt for more precise synonyms like "immobilized", "constrained", or "hindered" to convey a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stuck" is as an adjective, describing a state of being trapped, unable to move, or unable to progress. It can also function as the past participle of the verb "stick". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Lifestyle

20%

Opinion

12%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Travel

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stuck" is a versatile adjective and past participle used to describe a state of being physically trapped, unable to progress, or in an undesirable situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. While it enjoys very common usage, particularly in News & Media and Lifestyle content, more formal synonyms might be preferred in academic or highly professional writing. When using "stuck", ensure the context clearly defines what is causing the immobility to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Trapped

Suggests confinement and inability to escape a physical or metaphorical space.

At a standstill

Emphasizes the cessation of progress or movement.

Caught

Implies being ensnared or unable to break free from a situation or obligation.

Immobilized

Implies a state of being unable to move, often due to external forces or physical limitations.

Halted

Focuses on the sudden stop or interruption of progress or movement.

Bogged down

Suggests being slowed down or prevented from progressing due to obstacles.

Stranded

Indicates being left without the means to leave a place or situation.

Obstructed

Highlights the presence of a barrier or impediment preventing movement or progress.

Helpless

Highlights the lack of agency and inability to change a difficult circumstance.

In a bind

Describes being in a difficult situation with limited options.

FAQs

How can I use "stuck" in a sentence?

You can use "stuck" to describe being physically trapped (e.g., "The car got stuck in the mud"), unable to progress on a task (e.g., "I'm stuck on this problem"), or in an undesirable situation (e.g., "I'm stuck in this job").

What can I say instead of "stuck" when referring to being trapped?

Alternatives include "trapped", "confined", or "immobilized", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am stucked" instead of "I am stuck"?

No, "stucked" is not a standard English word. The correct form is "stuck". For example, "I am stuck" is correct, while "I am stucked" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "stuck" and "fixed"?

"Stuck" implies an unwanted state of immobility or being trapped, while "fixed" usually implies being repaired or securely fastened. For example, "The door is stuck" means it won't open, while "The picture is fixed to the wall" means it's securely attached.