this has to stick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this has to stick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the importance of something being remembered or accepted, often in a context where persistence or durability is required. Example: "We need to ensure that this message resonates with our audience; this has to stick if we want to make an impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"This has to stick for life.

The New York Times

"A country that wants to do this has to stick its neck out, and make an order, and say to the world, and to the Canadian government, 'We intend to use the WTO system, specifically Canada's....'.... and there will be an immediate backlash when they do this...certainly not before there's a tangible product that they're going to get at the end of the day".

Globalization and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This time had to stick.

Huffington Post

"We may not be able to continue shooting and scoring like this, but we have to stick with this defensive effort because defense is our staple".

The New York Times - Sports

This year I have to stick my stomach in".

The New York Times

When this happens, you have to stick your neck out and stare up in the sky looking like an idiot, straining yourself all the while.

TechCrunch

This is a clip where you have to stick with this clip until the very end for one of the funniest local news bloopers this year.

Huffington Post

But those who don't know this particular work may have to stick with it awhile to become involved.

The New York Times

The downside for us is that this means some security have to stick around on the 25th.

The Guardian

Mesut Ozil v Konstantinos Katsouranis If Greece are to have any chance in this match Katsouranis will have to stick to Ozil from start to finish.

Independent

But the problem is that not many publishers speak foreign languages … This is why I have to stick to representing a low number of foreign authors – about 10% of all the writers I work with".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this has to stick" when you want to emphasize the critical importance of something being remembered, accepted, or maintained over time. It often implies that failure to do so would have significant consequences.

Common error

While "this has to stick" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in very informal conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "this is important" or "remember this" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this has to stick" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing necessity and emphasis. It's used to highlight that something must remain, endure, or be firmly established. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this has to stick" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to emphasize the necessity of something remaining or being firmly established. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for written English and conveys the importance of persistence or durability. Although it's not extremely frequent, its usage is common in news and media contexts. When using "this has to stick", be mindful of the context and tone, and consider alternative phrases like "this must endure" or "this needs to be permanent" for formal settings. Be aware of overusing this phrase in informal conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this must endure

Emphasizes the necessity for something to last or withstand challenges.

this must take hold

Focuses on the idea of something becoming firmly established or accepted.

this needs to be permanent

Highlights the requirement for something to be long-lasting and unchanging.

this needs to be firmly established

Stresses the importance of something being securely rooted or recognized.

this must be set in stone

Implies that something is unchangeable and irreversible.

this needs to be ingrained

Focuses on the idea of something being deeply embedded or instilled.

this must be irreversible

Highlights the inability to undo or reverse something.

this requires lasting impact

Emphasizes the need for something to have a sustained effect or influence.

this requires staying power

Highlights the need for something to remain effective or relevant over time.

this needs to be anchored

Focuses on the need for something to be firmly fixed or secured.

FAQs

How can I use "this has to stick" in a sentence?

You can use "this has to stick" to emphasize the permanence or importance of an idea or action. For example: "The new policy is crucial for our success; "this has to stick" if we want to achieve our goals."

What can I say instead of "this has to stick"?

You can use alternatives like "this must endure", "this must take hold", or "this needs to be permanent" depending on the context.

Is "this has to stick" formal or informal?

"This has to stick" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in professional or informal contexts, but it's important to consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication. In very formal settings, consider alternatives like "this needs to be firmly established".

What's the difference between "this has to stick" and "this needs to stick"?

The difference between "this has to stick" and "this needs to stick" is subtle. Both phrases convey a similar meaning, emphasizing the importance of something remaining or being maintained. "This has to stick" may imply a stronger sense of urgency or necessity, while "this needs to stick" can sound slightly more gentle or suggestive. Choose the phrase that best suits the specific tone and context of your communication.