STICK IT OUT

"In times of adversity and doubt, those who choose to stick it out find resilience and wisdom in the journey and outcome."

đź“– Definition

The phrasal verb 'stick it out' means to endure or persist with a difficult situation until it is resolved or completed, often despite hardships.

Examples in context

đź“– Definition

The phrasal verb 'stick it out' means to endure or persist with a difficult situation until it is resolved or completed, often despite hardships.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
Cannot be separated by an object; always used as a whole.
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Informal
Commonly used in spoken or casual written English.
Transitive
Yes
Requires an object, often a situation or challenge, to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple stick it out You need to stick it out for a bit longer.
Past Simple stuck it out They stuck it out until the project was finished.
Present Continuous sticking it out She's sticking it out despite the difficulties.
Present Perfect have stuck it out We have stuck it out in tough times before and emerged stronger.

đź’ˇ When to Use

Facing a tough challenge
Use when encountering a situation that requires determination to endure until completion.
Example: "When exams get tough, you must stick it out to succeed."
Dealing with workplace issues
Applicable when experiencing difficult job-related challenges that demand persistence to resolve.
Example: "Despite the long hours, she decided to stick it out and prove her worth."
Enduring personal struggles
Applies to personal life challenges where enduring the hardship leads to eventual betterment.
Example: "During his illness, he chose to stick it out for his family's sake."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misplacement of the object
❌ Wrong: You need to stick out it until the end.
âś… Correct: You need to stick it out until the end.
đź’ˇ Tip: Remember, do not separate 'stick it out'.
Incorrect usage with intransitive context
❌ Wrong: You must stick it out through.
âś… Correct: You must stick it out.
đź’ˇ Tip: Keep it within transitive uses with an object.
Improper tense usage
❌ Wrong: They are going to sticked it out.
âś… Correct: They are going to stick it out.
đź’ˇ Tip: Use the proper future form or continuous tense.
Practice

STICK IT OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

persevere endure

Antonyms

give up

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"To achieve success, sometimes you must ______ in challenging times."

stick it over
stick it out
stick out it
stick over

In Context

In April 1914, British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton set out with his crew aboard the Endurance, aiming to cross Antarctica. Aiming for greatness, the men were soon met with formidable challenges as their ship became trapped in the dense pack ice of the Weddell Sea. Decision after decision, Shackleton and his crew faced the treacherous conditions with resolve, determined to stick it out no matter how dire the circumstances became. As relentless cold and limited resources tested their mettle, the crew understood the importance of persevering under Shackleton’s steadfast leadership. For months, they survived on the harsh Antarctic ice floes, driven by a singular hope: to stick it out until relief came. In April 1916, after a perilous journey to South Georgia Island for rescue, Shackleton returned for his crew, proving their decision to stick it out was the right one. Each member was saved, their tale becoming an enduring testament to human resilience against the odds.

âť“ Frequently Asked Questions about Stick It Out

What is the origin of stick it out?

+
The phrase 'stick it out' originates from nautical terms where 'stick' referred to holding one's position against adverse winds. It evolved to mean enduring difficult situations.

Can stick it out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
It is primarily used in informal contexts, though it can appear in less formal professional settings. In formal writing, alternatives like 'persevere' are preferred.

What is the difference between stick it out and persevere?

+
Both imply endurance, but 'stick it out' is more informal and conversational, while 'persevere' is formal, often referring to sustained effort over time.
Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs
Tiny House Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra NĂłbrega
About the Author

Alessandra NĂłbrega

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



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