Master ‘Stick to’ for IELTS Success: Essential Phrasal Verb Guide

Understanding ‘Stick to’ and Its Importance in IELTS

The phrasal verb ‘stick to’ is a crucial linguistic tool that can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. Its versatility and common usage make it an invaluable addition to your vocabulary arsenal. Let’s delve into the nuances of this phrasal verb and explore how it can elevate your language skills in the IELTS examination.

Definition and Explanation

‘Stick to’ primarily means to adhere to or remain faithful to something. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it a versatile phrasal verb for IELTS candidates.

Key Meanings:

1. To continue doing or using something
2. To remain loyal or faithful to someone or something
3. To adhere physically to a surface

Synonyms include: adhere to, keep to, remain faithful to, persist with

Usage in Context

‘Stick to’ can be employed in various situations, from casual conversations to formal discussions. Here are some examples:

• “I always stick to my study schedule to ensure consistent progress.”
• “The government should stick to its promises regarding environmental policies.”
• “The glue was so strong that the poster stuck to the wall for months.”

Examples of 'stick to' usage in IELTS context

Grammar Analysis

‘Stick to’ is a separable phrasal verb, meaning that in some cases, the object can come between ‘stick’ and ‘to’. However, when using pronouns, they must come between the two parts.

• Correct: “I stick to my diet” or “I stick my diet to”
• With pronoun: “I stick to it” (not “I stick it to”)

Application in IELTS

In IELTS Speaking:

‘Stick to’ can be effectively used to demonstrate your ability to use idiomatic language naturally. For instance:

Question: “How do you manage your time effectively?”
Sample Answer: “I believe the key is to stick to a well-planned schedule. I always try to stick to my daily routine, which helps me balance my work and personal life effectively.”

In IELTS Writing:

Incorporating ‘stick to’ in your essays can add sophistication to your writing. However, be mindful of the formality level required.

Example: “It is crucial for governments to stick to their commitments regarding climate change to ensure a sustainable future.”

Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Adhere to /ədˈhɪər tuː/: To follow or uphold a rule or agreement
   Example: “Students must adhere to the university’s code of conduct.”

2. Cling to /klɪŋ tuː/: To hold onto something or someone tightly
   Example: “He clung to his beliefs despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.”

3. Stand by /stænd baɪ/: To support or remain loyal to someone or something
   Example: “She stood by her decision even when others criticized her.”

4. Keep to /kiːp tuː/: To follow or obey a rule or plan
   Example: “It’s important to keep to the speed limit while driving.”

5. Hold fast to /hoʊld fæst tuː/: To maintain a firm belief in or commitment to something
   Example: “Despite the challenges, she held fast to her dreams of becoming a doctor.”

Phrasal verbs related to 'stick to' with examples

Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. Despite the difficulties, she decided to ___ her original plan.
2. It’s important to ___ a healthy diet if you want to see results.
3. The government must ___ its promises to reduce carbon emissions.
4. He always ___ his principles, even when it’s challenging.
5. Students are expected to ___ the university’s rules and regulations.
6. We need to ___ the budget to avoid overspending.
7. The team agreed to ___ the strategy they had developed.
8. It’s crucial to ___ the facts when reporting news.
9. She managed to ___ her exercise routine throughout the lockdown.
10. Politicians should ___ their campaign promises after being elected.

Sentence Transformation

1. Original: They continued with their plan despite opposition.
   Rewrite: They ___ their plan despite opposition.

2. Original: The company remained loyal to its core values.
   Rewrite: The company ___ its core values.

3. Original: She adhered to her diet strictly for six months.
   Rewrite: She ___ her diet strictly for six months.

4. Original: We must follow the guidelines provided.
   Rewrite: We must ___ the guidelines provided.

5. Original: The government maintained its position on the issue.
   Rewrite: The government ___ its position on the issue.

6. Original: He persisted with his training regimen despite the setbacks.
   Rewrite: He ___ his training regimen despite the setbacks.

7. Original: They remained committed to their goals throughout the year.
   Rewrite: They ___ their goals throughout the year.

8. Original: The team continued to use the same strategy throughout the tournament.
   Rewrite: The team ___ the same strategy throughout the tournament.

9. Original: She consistently followed her study schedule.
   Rewrite: She ___ her study schedule consistently.

10. Original: We need to adhere to the project timeline.
    Rewrite: We need to ___ the project timeline.

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. stick to
2. stick to
3. stick to
4. sticks to
5. stick to
6. stick to
7. stick to
8. stick to
9. stick to
10. stick to

Sentence Transformation:

1. stuck to
2. stuck to
3. stuck to
4. stick to
5. stuck to
6. stuck to
7. stuck to
8. stuck to
9. stuck to
10. stick to

Explanation: In all these sentences, ‘stick to’ is used to express the idea of continuing with, adhering to, or remaining faithful to a plan, principle, or course of action. The tense may change (stick to, stuck to) depending on the context of the sentence.

Memory Tips

To remember the phrasal verb ‘stick to’, visualize a person literally sticking to their goals or plans like glue. This imagery can help reinforce the idea of adhering firmly to something.

Another helpful mnemonic device is the phrase “Stick To It!” which encapsulates the essence of persistence and dedication associated with this phrasal verb.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Incorrect preposition: Some learners mistakenly use ‘stick with’ instead of ‘stick to’. While ‘stick with’ exists, it has a slightly different meaning and usage.
   Correct: “I will stick to my diet.” (Not: “I will stick with my diet.”)

2. Separating the phrasal verb incorrectly: Remember, when using pronouns, they must come between ‘stick’ and ‘to’.
   Correct: “I will stick to it.” (Not: “I will stick it to.”)

3. Overuse in formal writing: While ‘stick to’ is versatile, it may be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. In such cases, consider alternatives like ‘adhere to’ or ‘maintain’.

To avoid these mistakes, practice using ‘stick to’ in various contexts and pay attention to its usage in authentic materials like IELTS practice tests and English language media.

Conclusion

Mastering the phrasal verb ‘stick to’ can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. Its versatility allows you to express commitment, adherence, and persistence effectively in both speaking and writing tasks. Remember to practice using it in different contexts and tenses to fully incorporate it into your active vocabulary. By sticking to your language learning goals and consistently practicing phrasal verbs like this one, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired IELTS score.

For more tips on improving your IELTS vocabulary, check out our guides on other useful phrasal verbs like fall back on and take after. Keep practicing, and don’t forget to stick to your study plan!