Remain vs You're gonna stick around

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Remain

Top 1,000 (very common)B1

You're gonna stick around

InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: RemainMost common: Remain
 RemainYou're gonna stick around
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmeɪn/","/rɪˈmeɪnz/","/rɪˈmeɪnd/","/rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmeɪn/","/rɪˈmeɪnz/","/rɪˈmeɪnd/","/rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //jʊəɹ ɡənə stɪk əˈɹaʊnd//🇺🇸 //jʊɹ ˈɡɑnə stɪk əˈraʊnd//
MeaningTo stay in the same place or condition.You will stay in one place for a while.
ExamplePlease remain silent during the presentation.I really like the party vibe, I think I'm gonna stick around.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB1-
Collocationsremain calm, remain silent, remain in place, remain unchanged, remain focusedstick around for a while, gonna stick around, stick around with friends
Antonymsleave, depart, exit-
Common mistakesConfused with 'stay' - 'remain' feels slightly more formal., Used incorrectly in passive constructions., Misplaced in sentences where a continuous tense is needed.Confused with 'stick around' as just a location reference without emotional context., Using in overly formal situations where casual phrases are not suitable.
Usage notesUse 'remain' in both written and spoken English. It's suitable for formal contexts, like reports or discussions, but also works in everyday conversation. Avoid using it in casual slang as it sounds too formal.Use this phrase in casual conversations to indicate that someone will remain present. It's friendly and can imply support. Avoid in formal settings.

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You're gonna stick around

Frequently asked questions: Remain vs You're gonna stick around

What's the difference between Remain and You're gonna stick around?

Remain: To stay in the same place or condition. You're gonna stick around: You will stay in one place for a while.

Which is more formal: Remain and You're gonna stick around?

Remain is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Remain and You're gonna stick around?

Remain is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Remain: Please remain silent during the presentation. You're gonna stick around: I really like the party vibe, I think I'm gonna stick around.

Can I use Remain and You're gonna stick around interchangeably?

Not always. Remain and You're gonna stick around are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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