Slip away unnoticed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Slip away unnoticed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone leaving a place quietly or without drawing attention to themselves. Example: "She managed to slip away unnoticed before the party got too loud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Do not let it slip away unnoticed and unused".

The New Yorker

And yet even here, many pupils like Helen and Osama still slip away unnoticed.

The Guardian

I could feel my mother willing the place to be empty, so she could slip away unnoticed, without a fuss.

The Guardian - Books

However, it appears that the setup at Camp Belambi, as the outpost is known, would have made it easier to slip away unnoticed.

The New York Times

So to set a puppy down over the iron grating and slip away unnoticed wouldn't be hard, and I imagine was not.

The New Yorker

Paul Ryan, who had kept a low profile since November, tried to slip away unnoticed, but was chased down a hall by a pack of reporters shouting questions.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The fighters shook hands and Yanez slipped away, unnoticed.

The New Yorker

The real Charlotte Rampling, whoever that was, slipped away unnoticed.

The Guardian - Film

As the noise increased at the Travellers' site at Dale Farm on Monday morning three people slipped away, unnoticed by the media crowd gathered to watch what was going to be one of the biggest evictions in UK history.

The Guardian

At brunch, the boyfriend described an "Irish exit," which is a term for slipping away unnoticed from unpleasant social gatherings.

Los Angeles Times

However, McClellan came under extreme criticism from the press and the Congress when it was found that Johnston's forces had not only slipped away unnoticed, but had for months fooled the Union Army through the use of logs painted black to appear as cannons, nicknamed Quaker Guns.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slip away unnoticed", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is leaving and the environment they are leaving from. For example, "The cat slipped away unnoticed from the busy kitchen" is clearer than "The cat slipped away unnoticed."

Common error

While "slip away unnoticed" is generally acceptable, it can sound informal in highly formal or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "depart discreetly" or "withdraw quietly" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slip away unnoticed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action (slipping away) is performed. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use to indicate a discreet or stealthy departure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slip away unnoticed" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a discreet departure, typically with the intention of avoiding attention. Ludwig's analysis, backed by numerous examples from reputable sources, confirms its acceptability in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral, it may be wise to consider more formal alternatives like "discreetly exit" or "quietly withdraw" in professional or academic settings. Remember to clearly identify the subject and setting to ensure clarity when employing this useful phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Leave without being seen

Focuses on the act of leaving without visual detection.

Escape undetected

Emphasizes the escape aspect, suggesting a possibly difficult departure.

Stealthily depart

Highlights the secretive and cautious nature of the leaving.

Discreetly exit

Implies a polite and subtle way of leaving a situation.

Vanish without a trace

Suggests a complete disappearance, leaving no evidence behind.

Quietly withdraw

Focuses on the lack of noise and disturbance during the departure.

Fade into the background

Describes blending in to become unnoticeable before leaving.

Melt away

Implies a gradual and almost imperceptible disappearance.

Go unnoticed

Highlights the act of doing something, in this case leaving, without attracting attention.

Evade attention

Focuses on actively avoiding being noticed while leaving.

FAQs

What does "slip away unnoticed" mean?

The phrase "slip away unnoticed" means to leave a place or situation quietly and without attracting attention. It suggests a desire to avoid being seen or acknowledged.

How can I use "slip away unnoticed" in a sentence?

You can use "slip away unnoticed" to describe someone leaving a social gathering, escaping a difficult situation, or making a discreet exit. For example, "She tried to slip away unnoticed from the boring party".

What are some synonyms for "slip away unnoticed"?

Some synonyms for "slip away unnoticed" include "leave without being seen", "escape undetected", and "discreetly exit".

Is it grammatically correct to say "slip away unnoticed"?

Yes, "slip away unnoticed" is grammatically correct and widely used in both spoken and written English.