# stick by

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stick-by
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He promised to stick by to his word." but "He promised to stick by his word." — the particle 'by' functions as the preposition; adding 'to' is redundant and grammatically incorrect.

## Usage notes

- 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).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.