I slipped up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I slipped up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge a mistake or error that has occurred, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "During the presentation, I slipped up and forgot to mention the key findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"I slipped up," Ms. Murray said ruefully.

The New York Times - Health

But one time I slipped up: I fell asleep.

The New York Times

I slipped up toward the front cabin, eager to witness Gore make this command decision.

The New York Times

'I should have walked away, but I didn't, and that was when I slipped up.

The Guardian

She didn't hold back if I slipped up and put on weight, but she was right – I did need to try harder.

The Guardian - Opinion

Likewise, in exactly the way that I slipped up four slides ago, there it is in the state of nature no notion of ownership or legal control as such.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Do I slip up?

The New York Times

It helps that my kids are good managers and let me know when I slip up.

The Washington Post

"The guys don't mind when I slip up like that," Moeller said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I accept that my life isn't a Disney film," he said, "there are going to be times when I slip up.

The New York Times

If I slip up, she'll be the first one on the phone to say, 'What the hell were you thinking?'" I don't want to become one of those jaded people.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I slipped up" when acknowledging a minor error or oversight in a casual context. It's a good way to own up to a mistake without being overly formal.

Common error

Avoid using "I slipped up" in formal reports or presentations. Opt for more professional language like "I made an error" or "An oversight occurred."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I slipped up" functions as an acknowledgment of a mistake or error. Examples provided by Ludwig showcase its usage in admitting fault in various situations, ranging from casual slip-ups to more significant errors.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I slipped up" is a common and grammatically sound way to acknowledge a mistake, as validated by Ludwig. It's generally suitable for informal settings and conveys a sense of owning up to an error. While frequently found in News & Media contexts, it should be used cautiously in formal environments, where more professional alternatives like "I made an error" or "an oversight occurred" might be more appropriate. Remember to consider your audience and the formality of the situation when choosing to use "I slipped up".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I made a mistake

This is a direct and straightforward alternative, suitable for most situations.

I made an error

Similar to "I made a mistake" but slightly more formal.

I messed up

This is a more informal alternative, implying a blunder.

I erred

This is a more formal alternative, suggesting a deviation from correctness.

I goofed up

This is a very informal alternative, implying a silly or careless mistake.

I blundered

Implies a clumsy or foolish mistake.

I misstepped

Suggests a mistake in judgment or action.

I dropped the ball

This idiom suggests failing to fulfill a responsibility.

I faltered

Indicates a temporary loss of strength or certainty.

I committed a faux pas

Suggests a social blunder or breach of etiquette.

FAQs

What does "I slipped up" mean?

The phrase "I slipped up" means that you made a mistake or error. It's a casual way of acknowledging a fault.

When is it appropriate to use "I slipped up"?

It's appropriate to use "I slipped up" in informal settings, such as conversations with friends or colleagues. Avoid it in formal presentations or written reports.

What can I say instead of "I slipped up"?

You can use alternatives like "I made a mistake", "I messed up", or "I erred" depending on the context.

Is "I slipped up" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I slipped up" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken English. Ludwig confirms its validity as a standard phrase.