English Reference

Phrasal verb

stick by

Definition

phrasal verb. to continue to support or be loyal to someone, even when they are in trouble or others have left them.

phrasal verb. to remain loyal to a person, belief, or decision, particularly during periods of adversity or external pressure. Transitive and inseparable, requiring a direct object.

Examples

“I will stick by you no matter what happens.”

“Even after the scandal broke, his closest friends decided to stick by him until the trial was over.”

“Despite intense pressure from the board to resign, the CEO vowed to stick by his original strategy for the company's recovery.”

Examples

simple

“I will stick by you no matter what happens.”

contextual

“Even after the scandal broke, his closest friends decided to stick by him until the trial was over.”

complex

“Despite intense pressure from the board to resign, the CEO vowed to stick by his original strategy for the company's recovery.”

Usage

usually followed by a person, a promise, or a decision.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'stand by' (very similar, but 'stick by' often implies a more personal, stubborn loyalty) and 'stick to' (used for rules or plans rather than people).

Pitfall

He promised to stick by to his word.

He promised to stick by his word.

the particle 'by' functions as the preposition; adding 'to' is redundant and grammatically incorrect.

Phrasal verb

Particles

by

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

stick + by + object

Synonyms

stand bysupportremain loyal tostay with

Antonyms

abandondesertbetray

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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