he slips

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he slips" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone losing their footing or making a mistake, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "As he runs down the hill, he slips on the wet grass and falls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Occasionally, he slips up.

The New York Times

He slips, hits the roof, falls down.

The New Yorker

He slips Jell-O into backpacks.

The New York Times - Books

He slips, tellingly, into the past tense.

The Guardian

But schadenfreude when he slips?

The New York Times

"Without notice he slips away".

The New York Times - Arts

He slips down into limbic back alleys..

The New Yorker

He slips into a corner booth.

The New York Times

He slips down into limbic back alleys...

The New Yorker

He slips from teasing into seriousness.

The Guardian - Books

He slips and levitates into the air.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he slips" to describe a mistake, ensure the context clearly indicates whether it's a physical misstep or an error in judgment. Use alternatives like "he errs" for clarity when referring to non-physical errors.

Common error

Avoid using "he slips" in contexts where it's unclear if you're referring to a physical fall or a mistake. Clarify with additional details or alternative phrasing to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he slips" primarily functions as a verb phrase within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in describing either a physical loss of footing or a metaphorical mistake. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from literal slips on ice to figurative slips in conversation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he slips" is a versatile expression commonly used to describe both physical missteps and figurative errors. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, the specific context determines the overall formality. When writing, ensure clarity to avoid ambiguity between physical and metaphorical meanings, and consider using alternatives like "he falters" or "he loses his footing" for added precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he loses his footing

Specifically describes the act of losing balance and potentially falling.

he trips

Similar to stumbles but can also suggest an obstruction caused the loss of balance.

he stumbles

Suggests a loss of balance while walking or running, similar to slipping but implying a more recoverable misstep.

he missteps

Implies a faulty step or action, often with negative consequences.

he falters

Indicates a brief loss of strength or effectiveness, often in speech or action.

he slides

Suggests a smooth, uncontrolled movement, similar to slipping on a slick surface.

he errs

Refers to making a mistake or being incorrect, moving away from physical actions to errors in judgment.

he blunders

Indicates a clumsy or careless mistake.

he makes a mistake

A general term for committing an error, applicable in various situations.

he loses control

Describes a situation where one can no longer manage or direct something, physically or metaphorically.

FAQs

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

You can use "he slips" to describe a physical fall, as in "He slips on the ice". It can also mean he makes a mistake, as in "He slips up and reveals a secret".

What does "he slips" mean?

"He slips" can refer to someone physically losing their balance or to someone making a mistake or error.

What can I say instead of "he slips"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "he loses his footing" if it's a physical fall, or "he makes a mistake" if it's an error.

Is it correct to say "he slips up" instead of "he slips"?

Yes, "he slips up" is a common variation that emphasizes the making of a mistake or blunder, whereas "he slips" can refer to either a physical slip or a mistake.