I slipped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I slipped" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical action of losing your footing or making a mistake. Example: "While walking on the icy sidewalk, I slipped and fell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I slipped".

The New York Times - Sports

I slipped into unconsciousness".

The New York Times - Magazine

I slipped off my mittens.

The New Yorker

But I slipped the coils".

The New Yorker

I slipped and Freddy fell".

The New York Times

Of course, I slipped.

The New York Times

I slipped out.

The Guardian - Books

I slipped once.

The Guardian - Film

"I slipped right when I broke.

The New York Times - Sports

"But as I did that, I slipped.

The New York Times - Sports

"I slipped €100 in the envelope.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an accident, use "I slipped" to convey a sudden and unintentional loss of balance. For instance, "I slipped on the wet floor and almost fell."

Common error

Avoid using "slipped" when you mean a gradual decline or a deliberate act. For example, instead of saying "I slipped into debt", consider "I gradually accumulated debt" or "I deliberately avoided payments".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I slipped" primarily functions as a declaration of an event, indicating either a physical mishap or a figurative error. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing the phrase in action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I slipped" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a loss of footing, a mistake, or a subtle departure from a state or situation. Ludwig AI validates its widespread usage in news and media, reflecting its versatility across various contexts. When using "I slipped", be mindful of the specific context to ensure clarity, differentiating between physical slips and metaphorical mistakes. While generally neutral, context dictates the formality. Related phrases like "I lost my footing" or "I made a mistake" can provide more precision when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I lost my footing

Focuses specifically on the physical act of losing balance while walking or standing.

I slid

Focuses on uncontrolled movement across a surface.

I stumbled

Implies a brief loss of balance, often recovered quickly.

I tripped

Suggests an obstruction caused the loss of balance.

I faltered

Indicates a hesitation or slight error in movement or action.

I made a mistake

Shifts the meaning to a general error or blunder, not necessarily physical.

I erred

A more formal way of saying "I made a mistake".

I blundered

Implies a clumsy or careless mistake.

I descended

Indicates movement downwards, potentially implying a loss of control.

I transitioned

Suggests a shift from one state or condition to another, subtly.

FAQs

How can I use "I slipped" in a sentence?

You can use "I slipped" to describe a physical fall (e.g., "I slipped on the ice") or a metaphorical mistake (e.g., "I slipped and revealed a secret").

What are some alternatives to "I slipped"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I lost my footing" for physical slips, or "I made a mistake" for errors.

Is it correct to say "I slipped up" instead of "I slipped"?

Yes, "I slipped up" is an idiomatic expression that means "I made a mistake". The phrase "I slipped" can refer to both a physical slip and a mistake, depending on the context.

What's the difference between "I slipped" and "I tripped"?

"I slipped" generally refers to losing your balance on a smooth surface, while "I tripped" implies stumbling over an obstacle. Both can result in a fall, but the cause is different.