What are the definitions of “stick out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be easily noticed.
He's so much better than the others that he STICKS OUT.
- 2Extend part of your body.
He STUCK his tongue OUT at me.
- 3Continue doing something difficult or unpleasant.
I STUCK it OUT even though I hated every minute of it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stick out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stick out is to be easily noticed or to stand out from others. It can be used to describe a person, object, or situation that is different or unique compared to others.
What are the different verb forms of “stick out”?
| Root Verb | stick out |
| Third Person Singular Present | sticks out |
| Present Participle | sticking out |
| Simple Past | stuck out |
| Past Participle | stuck out |
Example
Her bright red dress sticks out in the crowd.
Example
His unusual hairstyle sticks out among his friends.
Example
The broken fence is sticking out and needs to be fixed.
Example
The tall building stuck out in the small town.
Example
The sore thumb had stuck out after the injury.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stick out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“stick out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
Her colorful outfit sticks out in the group.
Example
The mistake in the report stuck out to the manager.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“stick out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
Her colorful outfit sticks out in the group.
Example
The mistake in the report stuck out to the manager.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stick out”?
Stick out one's neck
To take a risk or put oneself in a vulnerable position.
Example
She stuck out her neck for her friend, even though it could have cost her the job.
Good things to know
Does “stick out” have an informal or formal tone?
Stick out is generally considered neutral to informal in tone. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in some cases, it may be more appropriate to use synonyms like 'stand out' or 'protrude' in formal writing or speech.
