stick at

keep working hard at something even when it is difficult

B2

What does "stick at sth" mean?

Sticking at something means continuing to work on it even when it feels difficult, frustrating, or slow. It captures the idea of persistence — not giving up on a task, course, or skill just because it gets tough. The phrase is almost always encouraging in tone, and you'll often hear it from teachers, coaches, or parents urging someone not to quit. 'Stick at it' (with the pronoun 'it') is by far the most common form and works almost like a fixed motivational phrase. It's predominantly British English, so if you're speaking to an American audience, 'keep at it' or 'stick with it' would feel more natural to them.

Examples

How to use it

stick at + it

The most frequent form of this phrasal verb — 'it' refers back to a task or activity already understood from context, and this version is often used as direct encouragement.

The course gets tough in the second half, but stick at it and you'll be glad you did.

stick at + noun/gerund

Use this pattern when you want to name the specific activity or task being persisted with.

She stuck at her guitar practice even when she felt like she wasn't improving.

if + subject + stick at + it/noun

The conditional construction is very natural with this phrasal verb, often used to promise a reward for persistence.

If you stick at your revision, it'll make a real difference come exam time.

modal + stick at + it/noun

Modal verbs like 'need to', 'must', and 'should' combine naturally with this phrasal verb to give advice or encouragement.

You need to stick at it for at least three months before you'll notice real progress.

worth + sticking at

The gerund form after 'worth' is a common and natural construction, used to reassure someone that their effort will pay off.

It's a challenging programme, but it's absolutely worth sticking at.

Common Collocations

stick at itstick at your studiesstick at a taskstick at learningstick at a coursestick at practising

Common Mistakes

Confusing 'stick at it' with 'stick at nothing'

'Stick at it' means to persevere with a task, but 'stick at nothing' (usually 'she'll stick at nothing') means to refuse to let anything stop you — often with a negative or ruthless connotation. They look similar but mean almost opposite things.

✗ She'll stick at it to get what she wants, no matter who she hurts.
✓ She'll stick at nothing to get what she wants, no matter who she hurts.
Trying to separate the verb

'Stick at' is inseparable — the object must always come after 'at', never between 'stick' and 'at'. This applies to nouns, pronouns, and gerunds alike.

✗ You just need to stick it at if you want to pass.
✓ You just need to stick at it if you want to pass.
Using 'stick at' in American English contexts

'Stick at' is a British English expression. In American English, 'keep at it' or 'stick with it' are the natural equivalents. Using 'stick at' with an American audience may sound unfamiliar.

Usage

This is a British English expression; American speakers prefer 'keep at it' or 'stick with it'. It is most common in spoken encouragement and informal contexts, not formal writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'stick at' only used in British English?

Yes, it's predominantly a British English expression. American speakers would more naturally say 'keep at it' or 'stick with it' to express the same idea. If you're writing or speaking to an international or American audience, those alternatives might land better.

Can I say 'I am sticking at my studies' in the present continuous?

It's possible but sounds a little forced. 'Stick at' works much more naturally in the imperative, simple tenses, and modal constructions — for example, 'I've been sticking at my studies' (present perfect continuous) sounds more idiomatic than the simple present continuous.

What kinds of things can you 'stick at'?

Typically tasks, skills, or long-term activities that require effort over time — things like a course, a job, learning a language, training for a sport, or a creative project. The idea is that the activity is challenging and there's a temptation to give up.

Does 'stick at' always have a positive meaning?

In the perseverance sense, yes — it's almost always encouraging or admiring in tone. However, be aware that 'stick at nothing' is a completely different expression with a more negative connotation, meaning someone is ruthless or unstoppable. They look similar, so context matters.

Can I use 'stick at' in formal writing?

It's better avoided in formal or academic writing, where it can sound too conversational. In those contexts, 'persevere with' or 'persist with' are more appropriate. 'Stick at' works best in spoken language and informal written contexts like texts, emails to friends, or coaching materials.

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