has slipped away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has slipped away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has departed or is no longer present, often in a gentle or subtle manner. Example: "As the sun set, the warmth of the day has slipped away, leaving a cool breeze in its place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

It lolls around the mouth long after the Santa Barbara uni has slipped away.

The New Yorker

In modern Western society, though, this acknowledgment of death and grief has slipped away.

The New York Times

There is a sense, at times, that Brennan has slipped away.

The New York Times - Books

"It has slipped away from where we were," Leetch said of the Rangers' play.

The New York Times - Sports

In all the great Labour furore, Harriet Harman has slipped away to the backbenches.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some sad news re Padraig Harrington, who was in the mix but has slipped away.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

She could have slipped away in shame.

The New Yorker

Other protest leaders may have slipped away.

The Economist

Harrison felt that sex had slipped away.

The New Yorker

He had slipped away silently.

The Guardian - Books

Otherwise divestment might have slipped away in San Francisco.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has slipped away" to describe a gradual loss or fading, particularly when referring to opportunities, time, or abstract concepts like power or control.

Common error

Avoid using "has slipped away" to describe events that happen suddenly. Instead, opt for stronger verbs like "vanished" or "disappeared" when something is abruptly gone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has slipped away" functions as a present perfect verb phrase, indicating that an action (slipping away) has been completed at some point in the past and has relevance to the present. Ludwig confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has slipped away" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig, primarily in News & Media. It conveys a gradual loss or disappearance, and its register is generally neutral to slightly formal. While highly versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios involving gradual decline rather than sudden vanishing. Remember alternatives like "has faded away" or "has vanished" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has faded away

Emphasizes a gradual loss of visibility or intensity, similar to something disappearing slowly.

has vanished

Highlights a sudden and complete disappearance, implying something is no longer present.

has disappeared

Focuses on the absence of something that was previously present, suggesting a complete removal.

has receded

Suggests a gradual movement away or back, indicating a decline or reduction in importance.

has ebbed

Implies a gradual decline or decrease, often used in reference to abstract concepts like strength or influence.

has been lost

Highlights the irretrievability of something, emphasizing the fact that it can no longer be found or recovered.

has passed

Indicates a movement beyond a certain point, suggesting that something is no longer relevant or present.

has dwindled

Emphasizes a gradual decrease in size or amount, highlighting the diminishing nature of something.

has dissipated

Suggests a scattering or dispersing of something, implying a loss of concentration or focus.

has eroded

Highlights a gradual wearing away or destruction, indicating a slow decline in quality or strength.

FAQs

How can I use "has slipped away" in a sentence?

You can use "has slipped away" to describe something that has gradually diminished or disappeared, such as "The opportunity "has slipped away"" or "Her youth "has slipped away"".

What's the difference between "has slipped away" and "has disappeared"?

"Has slipped away" implies a gradual and subtle departure, while "has disappeared" suggests a more sudden and complete vanishing. For example, "The afternoon "has slipped away"" suggests time passing unnoticed, whereas "The evidence "has disappeared"" indicates a complete removal.

What can I say instead of "has slipped away"?

You can use alternatives like "has faded away", "has vanished", or "has receded" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "has slipped away" in formal writing?

Yes, "has slipped away" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news articles, essays, or reports where a nuanced description of gradual loss or decline is needed.