it is slipping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is slipping" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is gradually losing grip, control, or stability, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "As the deadline approaches, I feel that my focus is slipping, and I need to refocus my efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

While French is just about holding its own in Quebec, it is slipping elsewhere in Canada.Bilingualism is growing at a healthy rate in Canada, and just not the French-English variety.

The Economist

Japan looks as if it is slipping into recession, Europe's hopes of reducing its chronic unemployment problem are slipping away, and in the past few weeks, the International Monetary Fund has put together a $40 billion bailout package for Argentina, and a smaller one to keep Turkey afloat.

The New York Times

And I'm terrified it is slipping away".

The New York Times

The end-2014 gofl of reviewing the bilateral defence guidelines looks as if it is slipping.

The Economist

The Web's importance is indisputable — but there are signs that it is slipping.

The New York Times

Church attendance is much higher than in West European countries, though it is slipping a bit.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It is slipped into the back of the menu.

The New York Times - Food

Colby Chester, its treasurer said it was slipping.

The New Yorker

"It was slipping away".

The New York Times - Sports

It's slipping through our hands".

The New Yorker

It was slipping out of our fingers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is slipping" to describe a gradual decline or loss of control in situations where the process is ongoing and not yet complete. For instance, "His grip on the leadership is slipping" indicates a current, active process.

Common error

Avoid using "it is slipping" when you actually mean "it has slipped". "It is slipping" indicates a continuous process, while "it has slipped" indicates a completed action. For example, use "it has slipped my mind" instead of "it is slipping my mind".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is slipping" functions as a present continuous construction, indicating an ongoing process. It commonly describes a gradual decline, loss of control, or movement away from a desired state. Ludwig AI confirms its common use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is slipping" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an ongoing decline or loss of control. Ludwig AI confirms this. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to highlight concerning trends or situations needing attention. While alternatives like "it is declining" or "it is deteriorating" exist, understanding the continuous nature implied by "it is slipping" is crucial for accurate usage. Remember to avoid confusing it with the completed action implied by "it has slipped". By considering these nuances, you can effectively use "it is slipping" to convey the intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is declining

Indicates a gradual decrease or deterioration, similar to something slipping away.

it is deteriorating

Focuses on the worsening condition or quality of something, akin to its state slipping.

it is fading

Suggests a gradual disappearance or weakening, like a memory or color slipping away.

it is waning

Implies a decrease in power, influence, or intensity, similar to a slipping grip.

it is unraveling

Indicates a process of falling apart or losing cohesion, much like something slipping from order.

it is regressing

Highlights a return to a previous, less developed state, as if something is slipping backward.

it is collapsing

Indicates a sudden failure or loss of value, comparable to a rapid slip.

it is eroding

Focuses on the gradual wearing away or destruction of something, akin to it slipping away slowly.

it is diminishing

Suggests a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity, like something progressively slipping.

it is sliding

Emphasizes a smooth, often uncontrolled movement downwards, similar to slipping.

FAQs

How can I use "it is slipping" in a sentence?

You can use "it is slipping" to describe a gradual decline or loss of something, such as "Her grades are slipping due to lack of studying", or "The company's market share is slipping because of increased competition".

What are some alternatives to "it is slipping"?

You can use alternatives like "it is declining", "it is deteriorating", or "it is fading", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it is slipping" versus "it has slipped"?

"It is slipping" describes an ongoing process, while "it has slipped" describes a completed action. For example, "The rope is slipping from my grasp" versus "The rope has slipped from my grasp".

What does it mean when someone says "my memory is slipping"?

When someone says "my memory is slipping", it means they are experiencing a gradual decline in their ability to remember things. A similar expression is "my memory is fading".