Meaning trap
stick to
follow a rule or limit
To obey a rule, limit, or agreement without breaking it.
phrasal verbB2common
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
follow a rule or limit
To obey a rule, limit, or agreement without breaking it.
stick to (continue with a plan)
Another meaning of 'stick to' is 'continue with a plan'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Please stick to the budget we agreed on for this project.work
- I believe it's important to stick to the rules at work to avoid misunderstandings.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: stick to + noun
WrongYou must stick the rules.
RightYou must stick to the rules.
'Stick TO' the rules — don't drop 'to'.
Patternstick to + noun
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Stick to' is the everyday verb for keeping within a rule or limit; 'comply with' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
stick to + limitthe rulesthe budgetthe speed limityour diet
Don't confuse it
'Stick to' is about not going outside the rules or limits, while 'break' means to not follow them.
Related
- stick to (continue with a plan) — Another meaning of 'stick to' is 'continue with a plan'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.