he slipped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he slipped" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a simple sentence that can be used to describe a physical action or event. Here are a few examples: - "While running on the wet pavement, he slipped and fell on his back." - "As he reached for the book on the top shelf, he slipped and knocked over the stack of books next to it." - "Trying to climb up the slope, he slipped and slid back down to the bottom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He slipped.

The New York Times - Sports

He slipped in.

The New Yorker

He slipped out early.

The New York Times

Once again, he slipped away.

The New York Times

Then he slipped into obscurity.

The Economist

He slipped, therefore.

The New York Times - Books

(Toomer contends he slipped).

The New York Times - Sports

He slipped aside.

The New York Times - Magazine

He slipped once.

The New York Times - Sports

At the hospital, he slipped away.

The New York Times

Then he slipped off the outpost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he slipped" to clearly and concisely describe an unintentional loss of balance or a discrete error. Ensure the context provides sufficient detail about the circumstances of the slip, such as the surface conditions or the individual's activity.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "he slipped" when describing non-physical errors. Alternatives like "he erred", "he made a mistake", or more context-specific phrasings often provide greater clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he slipped" functions as a simple declarative sentence. It typically describes an event where a person loses balance or makes a mistake. Ludwig examples show usage across diverse scenarios, from physical missteps to metaphorical errors. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he slipped" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe a loss of balance, an error, or an escape. Ludwig's analysis reveals its widespread usage in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While often used literally, it can also metaphorically describe mistakes or failures. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, suggesting its reliable and versatile nature. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "he erred" for mistakes or "he lost his balance" for physical slips to add sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he stumbled

Similar in describing a loss of balance, but implies a less severe fall than "he slipped".

he lost his footing

Focuses on the cause of the slip, emphasizing the instability.

he slid

Highlights the uncontrolled movement after losing balance.

he faltered

Suggests a brief loss of stability or confidence, not necessarily a physical fall.

he made an error

Shifts the focus to a mistake, rather than a physical mishap.

he erred

A more formal synonym for making an error.

he escaped

Emphasizes an act of avoiding capture or confinement.

he got away

An informal way of saying someone escaped.

he sneaked away

Highlights the surreptitious nature of the escape.

he relapsed

Describes a return to a previous negative state, often related to addiction.

FAQs

How can I use "he slipped" in a sentence?

You can use "he slipped" to describe a literal fall, as in "he slipped on the ice". It can also describe a metaphorical mistake, such as "he slipped up during the interview".

What can I say instead of "he slipped" to describe a physical fall?

Alternatives to "he slipped" for a physical fall include "he stumbled", "he lost his footing", or "he slid", depending on the nature of the fall.

Can "he slipped" be used in a formal context?

While "he slipped" is generally acceptable, in more formal contexts, consider using more precise language depending on the situation. For a physical fall, "he lost his balance" might be preferable. For a mistake, "he erred" or "he made an error" could be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "he slipped" and "he tripped"?

"He slipped" generally implies a loss of traction, while "he tripped" suggests an obstruction caused the fall. For example, "he slipped on the wet floor" versus "he tripped over the rug".