has slipped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has slipped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has gradually or unintentionally decreased, diminished, or escaped from one's grasp or attention. Example: "Over the years, my focus on fitness has slipped, and I need to get back on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

His halo has slipped.

The New York Times - Sports

Business has slipped into this pattern, too.

The New York Times

But the defense has slipped, too.

The New York Times - Sports

The standard of domestic football has slipped.

The Economist

The MBA degree has slipped in quality.

The Economist

This season, Battier's defense has slipped.

The New York Times

"The painting has slipped history's anchor".

The New Yorker

And in Arkansas, Democratic control has slipped.

The New York Times

Schiefelbein says the place has slipped recently.

The New York Times - Food

Social mobility has slipped back.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Conservatives' mask has slipped.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has slipped", ensure the context clearly indicates what has declined. Be specific about the subject that has experienced the decline to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "has slipped" without specifying the area of decline. For instance, instead of saying "Quality has slipped", specify "The quality of customer service has slipped" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has slipped" functions as a present perfect verb phrase, indicating that an action (slipping) has occurred at some point in the past and has relevance to the present. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has slipped" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase to describe a decline or reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for professional and general communication. When using "has slipped", ensure clarity by specifying what exactly has declined to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has declined

Indicates a formal decrease or reduction, often used in statistical or economic contexts.

has decreased

A general term for something becoming smaller or less.

has deteriorated

Suggests a worsening condition or quality over time.

has diminished

Implies a reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

has fallen

Suggests a sudden or rapid decline.

has waned

Indicates a gradual decrease in power, intensity, or influence.

has regressed

Implies a return to a previous, less developed state.

has eroded

Suggests a gradual wearing away or destruction.

has sunken

Indicates a drop to a lower level or state.

has faded

Implies a loss of color, brightness, or intensity.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "has slipped"?

When something "has slipped", it means that it has gradually decreased in quality, amount, or importance. It suggests a decline from a previous state.

What can I say instead of "has slipped"?

You can use alternatives like "has declined", "has deteriorated", or "has diminished" depending on the context.

Is "has slipped" formal or informal?

"Has slipped" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "has decreased" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

Which is correct: "the quality has slipped" or "the quality is slipping"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "The quality has slipped" suggests a completed decline, while "the quality is slipping" implies an ongoing process of decline.