stuck fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stuck fast" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is firmly caught or stuck in place and cannot be easily moved or removed. Example: "The door was stuck fast, and I couldn't open it no matter how hard I pushed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Books

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Hivus got stuck fast.

The Guardian - Travel

Gandhi stuck fast to his nonviolent principles.

The New York Times - Books

My ice axe whacked into the slope and stuck fast.

The Guardian - Travel

He is "a snow image stuck fast in water like stone./His poor nose froze".

The New York Times - Books

It was always humid, and the dirt stuck fast to the ground.

The New Yorker

The dying was always hard in Europe, and the templates of suffering stuck fast.

The New Yorker

Something about the experience stuck fast, and he went to learn acting at the London Drama Centre.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Still citrine-green-new — it sticks fast to the glass.

The New Yorker

The pair stick fast to Reich's phasing rhythms, blurring into their frequencies.

The Guardian

The Cote d'Azur is normally prone to passing squalls, abbreviated downpours, but this front is sticking fast.

The Guardian - Film

This caused the whole bay to become iced up with fast ice, so-called because it sticks fast to the land.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stuck fast", ensure the context clearly indicates what is stuck and why it cannot be easily moved. For example, specify the substance or obstacle causing the obstruction.

Common error

Avoid using "stuck fast" metaphorically when simpler, more direct language can convey the meaning more effectively. Instead of saying "the idea was stuck fast in his mind", consider "the idea was ingrained in his mind" or simply, "he couldn't forget the idea."

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "stuck fast" functions primarily as a descriptive element, indicating that something is immovably fixed or firmly attached. According to Ludwig, this expression is commonly found across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

12%

Books

8%

Less common in

Travel

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stuck fast" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe something immovably fixed or firmly attached. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it is advisable to use the phrase precisely, ensuring the context clearly identifies what is obstructed and the cause of immobility. Alternatives like "firmly affixed" or "immovably fixed" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Avoiding overuse of "stuck fast" metaphorically with abstract concepts ensures clearer and more impactful writing. This expression is suitable for neutral and informal registers, contributing to its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immovably fixed

Highlights the inability to be moved, stressing the static and unyielding nature of the situation.

irremovably attached

Emphasizes the permanence of the connection, suggesting that separation is impossible or highly challenging.

firmly affixed

Emphasizes the secure attachment, suggesting a physical bond that is hard to break.

embedded deeply

Highlights the extent to which something is integrated or submerged within another substance or context.

firmly lodged

Indicates that something is embedded or positioned in a way that resists displacement.

tightly jammed

Suggests a forceful wedging or compression, making removal difficult due to the pressure.

rooted in place

Suggests a deep and stable connection, often used metaphorically to describe something deeply ingrained.

securely fastened

Focuses on the deliberate act of securing something in place, implying a strong and reliable hold.

closely adhered

Focuses on the surface-level contact and the strength of the bond between two things.

unyielding position

Focuses more on the fact that something is unchangeable, rather than physically impossible to move.

FAQs

How can I use "stuck fast" in a sentence?

You can use "stuck fast" to describe something physically lodged or fixed immovably. For example: "The car was "stuck fast" in the mud".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "stuck fast"?

Alternatives include "firmly affixed", "immovably fixed", or "tightly jammed", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "stick fast" instead of "stuck fast"?

While "stick fast" can be used, "stuck fast" is more common when describing a situation where something is already immovably fixed. "Stick fast" implies more the action of something attaching or adhering strongly.

What does "stuck fast" imply about the situation?

"Stuck fast" implies that something is not easily movable and often requires significant effort or intervention to dislodge it. It suggests a firm and unyielding obstruction.