are slipping from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are slipping from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual loss or decrease of something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As the deadline approaches, I feel that my focus are slipping from the task at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I'm starting the new year with the sinking feeling that important opportunities are slipping from the nation's grasp.

The New York Times

While the power of the nation's elite remains unchallenged, the symbols of that power are slipping from view.

The New York Times

ONE by one, emotion-laden words that Jews have thought of as special to them are slipping from their grasp.

The New York Times

Polls show that Mr. Hatoyama's approval ratings are slipping from their highs of more than 70percentt after he took office in September.

The New York Times

The "lost" words of the book's title are 20 of the names for everyday nature that are slipping from daily speech and knowledge, to the extent that they were dropped from a widely read children's dictionary due to under-use.

The Guardian - Music

The authors' sense that children are slipping from adult grasp, becoming a sort of lost generation, will resonate with parents, especially those battling with excessive screen time or teenage estrangements.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Tripoli is slipping from the grasp of a tyrant.

The New York Times

Plainly, Kunduz was slipping from the Taliban's grasp.

The New York Times

The mason jars, full of cream, were slipping from my grip.

The New Yorker

The empire is slipping from living memory, perhaps taking the delusions of grandeur with it.

The Economist

Gradually it became clear that he was slipping from contention, despite his best efforts.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are slipping from" to describe a gradual decline or loss of something important, whether tangible or intangible. Ensure the subject and object of the phrase are clearly defined for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "are slipping from" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are slipping from" functions as a dynamic descriptor, indicating a process of gradual loss or decline. As Ludwig shows, it is frequently used to describe intangible concepts like power, control, or opportunities that are gradually diminishing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are slipping from" effectively conveys a sense of gradual loss or decline. Grammatically sound and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig, it’s suitable for describing diminishing opportunities, control, or other valuable but vulnerable concepts. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. As the analysis reveals, understanding its implications and appropriate usage ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are receding from

Implies a gradual movement away, like a tide receding.

are diminishing from

Focuses on the reduction in size, importance, or impact.

are waning from

Suggests a decline in power or influence.

are fading from

Emphasizes a gradual disappearance or loss of visibility.

are moving away from

Highlights the action of something or someone distancing itself.

are being lost from

Focuses on the state of being lost or irretrievable.

are drifting away from

Suggests a slow and uncontrolled movement away.

are becoming detached from

Implies a separation or disconnection.

are escaping from

Highlights the act of something getting free or out of control.

are deteriorating from

Focuses on the process of decline and worsening.

FAQs

How can I use "are slipping from" in a sentence?

Use "are slipping from" to describe something gradually being lost or becoming less accessible. For example, "Opportunities "are slipping from" our grasp if we don't act quickly."

What are some alternatives to "are slipping from"?

You can use alternatives such as "are fading from", "are receding from", or "are diminishing from" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is slipping from" instead of "are slipping from"?

The verb form depends on the subject. Use "is slipping from" with singular subjects (e.g., "His control is slipping from his grasp"), and "are slipping from" with plural subjects (e.g., "Opportunities are slipping from our grasp").

What does "are slipping from" imply?

The phrase "are slipping from" suggests a gradual and often unwanted loss or decline. It implies that something valuable is slowly moving out of reach or control.