accidental slip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accidental slip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unintentional mistake or error, often in speech or writing. Example: "During the presentation, I made an accidental slip when I mispronounced the name of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He's spotted cancer on two customers," before the accidental slip of the tongue while quoting said barber: "'I regularly speak to clients on illness and pass the knowledge on to other c***s... er clients as well'".

Independent

However, such an enhanced authorisation scheme affects aspects of international trade in goods and, as it happens, the legal omission de lege lata is no accidental slip but reflects that until the final adoption of REACH the provisions relating to articles were highly controversial not least in view of the already then virulent debate on the WTO-compatibility [14].

Environmental Sciences Europe

"It got in there through an accidental slip," he said.

Los Angeles Times

Conway said citing the nonexistent "Bowling Green massacre" to defend Trump's immigration order was an accidental "slip".

Huffington Post

The resulting rising income inequality is deliberate, not an accidental slip of some clumsy invisible hand of the market.

Huffington Post

It was not an accidental slip of the tongue, but a greedy, selfish and calculated message Peyton Branding kept repeating.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Ford explains her death as an accidental slip-and-fall during a corporate-espionage mission.

The New Yorker

These were no accidental slips; he is not senile, nor does he touch or lean on male colleagues.

The New York Times - Magazine

Although written to sound like casual chat and accidental slips, the script is obsessively attentive to detail.

The Guardian

The position in adults was reached by global consensus and is considered at an optimal depth in order to monitor distal esophageal acid exposure while preventing accidental slipping into the stomach.

Nature

The basic premise of psychoanalysis, after all, is that our lives are ruled by unconscious forces, which speak to us only indirectly: through symbols in dreams, "accidental" slips of the tongue, or through what infuriates us about others, which is a clue to what we can't face in ourselves.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accidental slip", ensure the context clearly indicates that the error was unintentional. Avoid using it when there's a suspicion of deliberate action.

Common error

Don't mistake an "accidental slip", which is a general unintentional error, for a 'Freudian slip', which specifically reveals unconscious thoughts or desires.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accidental slip" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an unintentional error or mistake as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accidental slip" refers to an unintentional error, often in speech or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While not as common as other expressions for error, "accidental slip" is suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, be sure that the context clearly indicates the unintentional nature of the error and avoid confusing it with the more specific term 'Freudian slip'. Alternatives like "unintentional mistake" and "inadvertent error" may be used for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unintentional mistake

Focuses on the lack of intent behind the error.

inadvertent error

Highlights that the error occurred without conscious awareness.

unwitting mistake

Stresses the lack of awareness or knowledge of the person making the error.

unintended blunder

Emphasizes the clumsiness or unexpected nature of the mistake.

chance mistake

Highlights that the mistake was based on chance or luck.

involuntary mistake

Highlights the lack of control in committing the error.

careless oversight

Emphasizes the negligence behind the error.

negligent error

The mistake was done out of negligence.

fortuitous error

Implies that the error, surprisingly, led to positive result.

random goof

Randomly making a goof.

FAQs

How can I use "accidental slip" in a sentence?

You can use "accidental slip" to describe an unintentional error in speech, action, or writing. For example: "His confession was an accidental slip, not a deliberate admission."

What can I say instead of "accidental slip"?

You can use alternatives like "unintentional mistake", "inadvertent error", or "unintended blunder" depending on the context.

Is "accidental slip" a formal or informal expression?

"Accidental slip" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What's the difference between "accidental slip" and "mistake"?

While "mistake" is a general term for an error, "accidental slip" emphasizes the unintentional nature of the mistake. It implies a lack of deliberate intent or planning.