Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding and Using the Phrasal Verb 'Stick to'

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'stick to' means to continue doing something despite difficulties or to adhere firmly to a decision, plan, or principle.

Examples in context

Despite distractions, he managed to stick to his writing schedule.
They stuck to their decision, despite opposition from family.
Throughout the journey, she stuck to the planned route with determination.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'stick to' means to continue doing something despite difficulties or to adhere firmly to a decision, plan, or principle.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

'Stick to' is not separable; the object must follow the phrasal verb.

Neutral

'Stick to' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

'Stick to' requires a direct object, which can be a task, principle, or plan.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	stick to	I stick to my exercise routine daily.
Past Simple	stuck to	She stuck to her diet and lost weight.
Present Continuous	sticking to	They are sticking to their savings plan.
Present Perfect	have stuck to	We have always stuck to our beliefs.

💡 When to Use

Maintaining consistency

Use 'stick to' when emphasizing adherence to a schedule, habit, or plan despite difficulties.

Example: "Despite challenges, she stuck to the project timeline."

Holding to beliefs

Employ 'stick to' when describing unwavering commitment to personal principles or beliefs.

Example: "He stuck to his values in the face of criticism."

Following a plan

Use 'stick to' when following a predetermined course of action without deviating.

Example: "The team stuck to the original plan and succeeded."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong object placement

❌ Wrong: He stick the schedule to.

✅ Correct: He sticks to the schedule.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'to' must be immediately followed by the object.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: She sticked to her principles.

✅ Correct: She stuck to her principles.

💡 Tip: The correct past tense form is 'stuck.'

Separable use

❌ Wrong: He stuck the rules to.

✅ Correct: He stuck to the rules.

💡 Tip: 'Stick to' is inseparable; the object follows the verb.

Practice

STICK TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Despite distractions, he managed to stick to his writing schedule.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

They stuck to their decision, despite opposition from family.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Throughout the journey, she stuck to the planned route with determination.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

adhere to keep to

Antonyms

deviate from

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The key to success is to ___ your goals despite challenges."

stick on

stick to

stick in

stick at

"In life's journey, it is wise to stick to your principles, for they are the compass guiding you through adversity and triumphs alike."

In Context

Thomas Edison, renowned for his invention of the electric light bulb, faced numerous challenges throughout his career. Edison's determination to stick to his goals was evident even in the face of repeated failures. Born in 1847, Edison struggled with traditional schooling due to his partial deafness. He chose to stick to learning independently, which laid the groundwork for his later innovations. In the late 1870s, Edison embarked on developing the incandescent light bulb. Despite undergoing over a thousand unsuccessful experiments, Edison remained resolute. His famous words, 'I have not failed, I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work,' encapsulate his persistence. He stuck to refining his designs until, in 1879, he succeeded. Edison's commitment to stick to his vision not only illuminated homes worldwide but also transformed modern society. By the time of his death in 1931, Edison held over a thousand patents, a testament to his belief in perseverance. His ability to stick to his path through setbacks made him a towering figure in history, inspiring inventors and entrepreneurs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Stick To

What is the origin of stick to?

The phrase 'stick to' originates from the 16th century, deriving from the Old English word 'sticca,' meaning a stick or staff, symbolizing support and adherence.

Can stick to be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'stick to' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it suitable for various types of conversations and writings.

What is the difference between stick to and adhere to?

'Stick to' is generally more informal and versatile, while 'adhere to' is more formal and often used in legal or technical contexts. Both imply commitment.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

STICK TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Stick To

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega