Meaning trap

stick out

to extend outward

To come out beyond the surface or edge of something.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

to extend outward

To come out beyond the surface or edge of something.

stick out (to be very noticeable)

Another meaning of 'stick out' is 'to be very noticeable'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

There was a nail sticking out of the wall.daily life
When I broke my arm, the bone was actually sticking out, which was really scary.IELTS speaking

Pattern: stick out (of/from something)

WrongDon't stick out your head from the window.

RightDon't stick your head out of the window.

With a body part, the object goes in the middle: 'stick your head out'.

Patternstick out (of/from something)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff A nail was protruding from the plank.

Natural A nail was sticking out of the plank.

'Stick out' is the plain verb for something projecting; 'protruding' is technical.

Words that usually travel with it.

This sense is about physical position, not about being noticeable.

stick out (to be very noticeable) — Another meaning of 'stick out' is 'to be very noticeable'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.