What are the definitions of “stick up for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Support or defend.
You have to STICK UP FOR yourself here, because no one will back you.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stick up for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stick up for is to support or defend someone or something, especially in a difficult situation. It means to stand by someone's side and protect them from criticism or harm.
What are the different verb forms of “stick up for”?
| Root Verb | stick up for |
| Third Person Singular Present | sticks up for |
| Present Participle | sticking up for |
| Simple Past | stuck up for |
| Past Participle | stuck up for |
Example
I always stick up for my friends when they need help.
Example
She sticks up for her little brother at school.
Example
He is sticking up for his teammate during the argument.
Example
Yesterday, they stuck up for their coworker in the meeting.
Example
She has always stuck up for her friends in tough situations.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stick up for”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“stick up for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
I stuck up for my friend when he was being bullied.
Example
She sticks up for her beliefs, even when it's difficult.
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 up for” 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
I stuck up for my friend when he was being bullied.
Example
She sticks up for her beliefs, even when it's difficult.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stick up for”?
Good things to know
Does “stick up for” have an informal or formal tone?
Stick up for is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. In more formal situations, you might use synonyms like 'defend' or 'support' instead.
