Slipped through the cracks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Slipped through the cracks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has been overlooked or missed, often unintentionally. Example: "Due to the high volume of work, some important emails slipped through the cracks, and we missed the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Something just slipped through the cracks.

The New York Times

It slipped through the cracks.

The New York Times

"The night just slipped through the cracks".

The New York Times

Things that had slipped through the cracks over the years.

The New York Times

This is something that slipped through the cracks".

The New York Times

And I suspect that this gentleman slipped through the cracks.

The New York Times

About $14 million slipped through the cracks, the banks said.

The Washington Post

These are obviously the students who slipped through the cracks.

The New York Times

Comedy seems to have slipped through the cracks all around.

The New Yorker

"This court order slipped through the cracks," he said.

The New Yorker

These youth have slipped through the cracks of the existing aid systems and been badly exploited.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slipped through the cracks", be specific about what system or process failed to prevent the oversight. For example, instead of saying "The detail slipped through the cracks", specify "The detail slipped through the cracks in the review process."

Common error

Avoid using "slipped through the cracks" as a generic excuse without identifying the underlying cause or taking responsibility. Always analyze why something was missed and outline steps to prevent it from happening again.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slipped through the cracks" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used to describe instances where something was unintentionally overlooked or missed due to systemic failures or oversights. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slipped through the cracks" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe when something is missed or overlooked due to a systemic failure. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct, widely used in neutral contexts like news and media, and aims to explain oversights by attributing them to process issues rather than individual fault. Related phrases include "fell through the cracks" and "was overlooked". When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific context about the failed system and avoid using it as a generic excuse. Overall, Ludwig's AI confirms that "slipped through the cracks" is a valid and useful phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fell through the cracks

This alternative suggests a failure in a system or process, leading to something being missed. It emphasizes the negative consequence of the oversight.

Was overlooked

This phrase directly states that something was not given the necessary attention or consideration.

Was missed

A simple and direct way of saying something was not noticed or caught.

Escaped attention

This implies something avoided being noticed or considered, often due to being subtle or obscured.

Was neglected

Indicates a lack of proper care or attention, leading to something being missed or undone.

Was forgotten

Implies something was initially known but then overlooked due to memory lapse or distraction.

Went unnoticed

This suggests something occurred without being observed or recognized.

Was omitted

Indicates something was intentionally or unintentionally left out or excluded.

Was excluded

Implies something was deliberately kept out or not included.

Was bypassed

Suggests something was circumvented or avoided, often unintentionally, leading to it being missed.

FAQs

What does "slipped through the cracks" mean?

The phrase "slipped through the cracks" means something was overlooked, missed, or forgotten due to a failure in a system or process.

How can I use "slipped through the cracks" in a sentence?

You can use "slipped through the cracks" to explain why something was missed. For example: "The error "slipped through the cracks" during the final review."

What can I say instead of "slipped through the cracks"?

You can use alternatives like "was overlooked", "fell through the cracks", or "went unnoticed" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slipped through the cracks" or "fell through the cracks"?

Both "slipped through the cracks" and "fell through the cracks" are acceptable and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. "Fell through the cracks" may emphasize a more significant failure.