English Reference

Phrasal verb

stick around

Definition

phrasal verb. to stay in a place for a little longer, often while waiting for something to happen.

phrasal verb. to remain in a location or situation rather than departing. This phrasal verb is intransitive and typically implies a period of waiting or a casual decision to stay.

Examples

“If you stick around after the show, you can meet the band.”

“I'm going to stick around for another ten minutes to see if the rain stops.”

“Although most guests departed immediately after the ceremony, a few close friends decided to stick around and help the hosts clear the venue.”

Examples

simple

“If you stick around after the show, you can meet the band.”

contextual

“I'm going to stick around for another ten minutes to see if the rain stops.”

complex

“Although most guests departed immediately after the ceremony, a few close friends decided to stick around and help the hosts clear the venue.”

Usage

used without an object; often followed by 'for' to indicate a duration or 'to' for a purpose.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'stay', which is more neutral; 'stick around' suggests a more informal, temporary, or spontaneous choice to remain.

Pitfall

I will stick around the party.

I will stick around at the party.

as an intransitive phrasal verb, it cannot take a direct object; a preposition like 'at' or 'for' is required to link it to a location or event.

Phrasal verb

Particles

around

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

stick + around

Synonyms

staywaithang aroundlinger

Antonyms

leavedeparttake off

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/stick-around
English Reference