I thought sticking 'to' would be appropriate here. Why 'stick at'?

[Priya Raghavan]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #242 "A Sticky Moment", question 3

With this in mind and for his own self-respect he was determined to stick ......... it.

(a) at
(b) to
(c) by
(d) into

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #242 "A Sticky Moment", answer 3

With this in mind and for his own self-respect he was determined to stick at it.

Correct answer: (a) at

Your answer was: incorrect
With this in mind and for his own self-respect he was determined to stick to it.
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I thought sticking 'to' would be appropriate here. Why 'stick at'?

Priya Raghavan

[Alan]

Hi,

'Stick to' would mainly refer to adhesion in contrast to 'stick at' which has the sense of persistence..

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Phrasal Verbs/look