allow to slide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allow to slide" is not correct in English as it is missing a subject and an object.
You can use it in contexts where you want to indicate that something is being overlooked or not addressed, but it needs to be rephrased for clarity. Example: "I decided to allow the minor mistake to slide this time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The chase involving the double-decker bus was filmed with a second-hand London bus adapted by having a top section removed, and then placed back in situ running on ball bearings to allow to slide off on impact.

Wikipedia

Extend and allow to slide.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Africa cannot be allowed to slide backwards.

The Economist

"It's funny; in the minors, we're not allowed to slide headfirst," Nava said.

The New York Times

A weight, or "messenger," is then allowed to slide down the cable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It would be a disaster, to put it at its mildest, if any of the institutions were allowed to slide".

The New York Times

Some have rooms that are unusable, while maintenance work has been allowed to slide in others, Roberts says.

The Guardian

Minister of planning and international co-operation Abdulkarim Ismail al-Arhabi warns of comparisons with Somalia, if his country is allowed to slide towards failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many of the UK stores need revamping, the chain's prices are no longer viewed as the sharpest, and service levels have been allowed to slide.

The Guardian - Business

During Miller's tenure and beyond, the council's wing was allowed to slide further into decrepitude, with crumbling plaster, leaky water pipes, and shredded curtains.

The New Yorker

ReprintsIn the 1990s, the rupee was allowed to slide against the dollar, by about 5% a year, which kept its value fairly stable in real terms.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allow to slide", ensure the sentence includes a clear subject and object to avoid grammatical ambiguity. For instance, specify who is allowing what to slide.

Common error

Avoid using "allow to slide" without specifying the subject and object. Vague sentences like this can be confusing and grammatically incorrect. Clarify who is allowing what to slide by explicitly stating both elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow to slide" functions as part of a verb phrase indicating permission or acceptance of a decline. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it's often grammatically incomplete without a subject and object.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "allow to slide" appears in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific literature, it's crucial to recognize its grammatical limitations. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is often incomplete without a specified subject and object. To enhance clarity and grammatical accuracy, consider alternatives such as "let it pass" or "overlook" depending on the desired nuance. The key takeaway is to ensure that when employing the expression "allow to slide", the sentence structure is comprehensive, explicitly defining who or what is being permitted to decline or be disregarded. While frequently employed, lack of correctness should raise your attention in professional scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permit to slip

Replaces "slide" with "slip", emphasizing a gradual decline or error.

let it pass

Uses a more concise and common idiom to indicate overlooking something.

overlook

Offers a direct verb to convey the act of disregarding something.

permit to degrade

Replaces "slide" with "degrade" to focus on a decline in quality or condition.

allow to deteriorate

Replaces "slide" with "deteriorate" to emphasize a worsening state.

permit to decline

Uses "decline" instead of "slide", focusing on a decrease in value or quality.

let it decline

Expresses the passive acceptance of a decline.

allow to lapse

Suggests a passive acceptance of something expiring or ending.

permit to worsen

Uses "worsen" to highlight a negative change that is being allowed.

neglect to maintain

Indicates a failure to uphold or preserve something properly.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the phrase "allow to slide" in a sentence?

Ensure your sentence includes a subject and an object to specify who is permitting what to be overlooked. For example: "The manager decided to "allow the minor error to slide" this time."

What are some alternatives to "allow to slide"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "overlook", "let it pass", or "permit to decline".

Is it grammatically correct to say "allow to slide"?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "allow to slide" is not grammatically correct in English as it is missing a subject and an object. Always ensure clarity by specifying who is allowing what to slide.

What does it mean to "allow something to slide"?

It means to overlook something, often a mistake or minor issue, and not take action or make a fuss about it. It implies a decision to let something go without addressing it.