stick to — continue with a plan
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To keep doing something you decided to do, even if it gets difficult or boring.
Say it like a native
Textbook I shall adhere to my original plan regardless.
Native I'll stick to the plan.
'Stick to' is the everyday verb for keeping to a decision; 'adhere to' is formal.
Pattern: stick to + noun/gerund
In use
- If you want to get fit, you need to stick to your exercise routine.daily life
- In my opinion, it's important to stick to your goals, especially when you face challenges.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I'll stick on my plan.
✓ I'll stick to my plan.
'Stick TO' a plan — not 'on'.
Common collocations
stick to + plan— the plan, your guns, the schedule, what we agreed
Don't confuse it
'Stick with' can mean to stay with a person or thing, but 'stick to' is used for plans, routines, or decisions.
Related
- stick to (follow a rule or limit) — Another meaning of 'stick to' is 'follow a rule or limit'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.