stick to

Meaning

To continue doing something as planned, or to limit yourself to one particular thing without changing or deviating. In business, it is frequently used when discussing budgets, schedules, agendas, or decisions to emphasize consistency and discipline.

Examples

• We need to stick to the budget we agreed on during last month's financial meeting.

  We need to stick to the budget we agreed on during last month's financial meeting.

• If we stick to the schedule, we should be able to launch the product by October.

  If we stick to the schedule, we should be able to launch the product by October.

• Let's stick to the agenda today so we don't run out of time.

  Let's stick to the agenda today so we don't run out of time.

• Even when things got difficult, the team decided to stick to their original strategy.

  Even when things got difficult, the team decided to stick to their original strategy.

• It's best to stick to the facts when you are presenting your case to the board.

  It's best to stick to the facts when you are presenting your case to the board.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We must stick on the plan.

  ✓ We must stick to the plan.

  The correct preposition to use with this phrasal verb is 'to', not 'on' or 'with'.

• ✗ Please stick to do your job.

  ✓ Please stick to doing your job.

  The preposition 'to' in 'stick to' must be followed by a noun phrase or a gerund (-ing form), not a base verb.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We don't have time for side discussions, so please ___ the topic.

  💡 Do not deviate from

  Show answer

  stick to

• It is hard to ___ a strict diet when you travel for work so often.

  💡 Adhere to or continue with

  Show answer

  stick to