Do you use phrasal verbs often?
Whether you do or not, stick around!
We’ll share how to use the phrasal verb “stick around” at work and in everyday conversations.
You’ll also learn other phrasal verbs with “stick” that you can use to connect in English.
Do you stick around?
Aubrey asks Lindsay about her college experience.
She shares that once she graduated, she didn’t stick around since it was a small town.
Instead, she left Virginia and moved to Japan.
Today’s episode was inspired by a student error.
They said, “After I complete my degree, I won’t have to stick around in what I’m working at anymore.”
This is an easy mistake to make when using this phrasal verb.
Today, Lindsay and Aubrey explain why “stick around” can’t be used this way.
They’ll also share other useful phrasal verbs with “stick” that you can use when talking about your education, job, and career.
Phrasal verbs with “stick”
Phrasal verbs with “stick” can be especially useful when talking about your education, job, and overall career.
They can help you describe how long you stay somewhere, how committed you are to something, and whether you continue with a particular plan or career.
These phrasal verbs and examples will show you how to use them in everyday conversations.
#1: Stick around
This means to stay somewhere or nearby instead of leaving.
It usually implies that you’re staying for a period of time rather than leaving right away.
At work, you might use it when talking about staying at the office, an event, a meeting, or a business lunch.
It can also refer more generally to remaining with a company or organization.
Examples:
- I plan to stick around until the event ends.
- Paul stuck around after the presentations to answer questions.
- Hey, stick around after the meeting so I can chat with you.
- A few employees stayed late, but most didn’t stick around.
- Can you stick around to help clean up?
- If you stick around, you’ll learn a lot here.
#2: Stick to
This means to continue following something, such as a plan, rule, schedule, or idea.
This expression is more about consistency, discipline, and focus. Unlike “stick around,” it isn’t about physically staying somewhere.
Examples:
- We need to stick to the budget this quarter.
- Let’s stick to the meeting notes so we don’t get too off-topic today.
- He stuck to the deadline and finished on time.
- If you stick to your routine, your productivity will improve.
- There are also several expressions using “stick to” that you’ll hear in workplace conversations.
#3: Stick to the point
This means to focus only on the main idea and avoid going off-topic.
Examples:
- We only have ten minutes, so let’s stick to the point.
- Try to stick to the point during your presentation.
#4: Stick to the script
This means to follow planned words, instructions, or a prepared message closely.
Examples:
- During the presentation, let’s stick to the script.
- The spokesperson stuck to the script during the interview.
#5: Stick to the facts
This means to focus on factual information rather than opinions or assumptions.
Examples:
- Let’s stick to the facts when we explain what happened.
- During the meeting, try to stick to the facts rather than making assumptions.
#6: Stick with
This means to continue doing, using, or supporting something instead of quitting or changing.
This expression is about commitment, loyalty, or persistence. You can stick with a decision, plan, person, company, or job.
Unlike “stick around,” it isn’t primarily about physical location. Unlike “stick to,” it doesn’t emphasize following rules or instructions closely.
Examples:
- I’m going to stick with my current position for another year.
- We decided to stick with the original strategy.
- She stuck with the company during difficult times.
- If you stick with it, your fluency will improve.
#7: Stick with it
This means to not give up and to keep going, even when something is difficult.
Examples:
- Learning a new skill takes time, but stick with it!
- The first few months can be challenging. Just stick with it.
#8: Stick with what you know
This means to continue doing or using something you’re already familiar with rather than trying something unfamiliar.
Examples:
- We don’t have much time to experiment, so let’s stick with what we know.
- For this presentation, I’m going to stick with what I know and keep the format simple.
“Stick to” vs. “Stick with”
You may notice that both “stick to” and “stick with” can be used when talking about plans.
However, there is an important difference between the two.
“Stick to” emphasizes following a plan closely without deviating from it.
For example: “Let’s stick to the plan to avoid any confusion.”
“Stick with” emphasizes continuing with a plan rather than abandoning it or choosing something different.
For example: “If we stick with the plan, we’ll eventually see results.”
Think of “stick to” as following something and “stick with” as continuing with something.
Roleplay
Here’s a quick roleplay between Lindsay and Aubrey showing these phrasal verbs in a natural conversation.
In this scenario, they’re friends and Lindsay is about to finish her MBA. They’re talking about her future career goals.
Aubrey: So, are you planning to stick around at your current company after you finish your MBA?
Lindsay: Probably not. I’ve learned a lot there, but I don’t think I want to stick with that kind of work long term.
Aubrey: Really? I thought you liked it.
Lindsay: It’s fine for now, but I’d rather move into consulting.
Aubrey: That makes sense. Are you applying already?
Lindsay: Yeah, but I’m trying to stick to a clear plan this time instead of applying everywhere randomly.
Aubrey: I get that. That’ll probably make the process less stressful.
Takeaway
Phrasal verbs with “stick” may look similar, but knowing the difference will help you communicate more naturally and accurately in English.
Remember: “stick around” means to remain somewhere, “stick to” means to follow something closely, and “stick with” means to continue with something rather than giving up or changing direction.
Understanding these differences will help you talk more confidently about your plans, commitments, and career in everyday and professional conversations.
Check out BE 570: What Does It Entail? How to Be Clear About Expectations in English for more practical Business English vocabulary.
Have you ever decided to stick with a job, plan, or career even when things got difficult?
What made you stick with it? Share it in the comments below!
