it slipped away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it slipped away" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been lost or has passed by unnoticed, often referring to time or opportunities. Example: "As I reflected on my childhood, I realized how quickly it slipped away, leaving only memories behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Police are hunting an escaped eight foot boa constrictor after it slipped away from its owners in Cumbria on Friday evening.

Independent

I saw one on a bank of heather and thyme, caught it, and allowed it to glide over my hand, but as it slipped away I gripped the extreme tip of its tail.

The Guardian

"For some sports, it slipped away.

The Guardian - Sport

Again, any fixation with "getting it" slipped away.

The New York Times - Arts

It slipped away as doubts about the Iraq war grew.

The Washington Post

It slipped away softly, with the Mariners scoring all of their runs on groundouts.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The film asks its audience to remember what it has, to not let it slip away.

Huffington Post

Both saw it slip away.

The New York Times

Invariably, it slips away.

The New York Times - Books

Because we could feel it slipping away?

The New Yorker

"I let it slip away," Clijsters said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it slipped away" to describe opportunities, moments, or advantages that were not seized or retained. For example: "The victory was within reach, but in the final moments, "it slipped away".

Common error

Avoid using "it slipped away" when describing objects that are physically dropped or released unintentionally. Instead, use phrases like "it fell" or "it dropped".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it slipped away" functions as a verb phrase indicating a loss or disappearance. Ludwig examples show it used to describe lost opportunities, fading moments, and unachieved goals. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sports

26%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it slipped away" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that has been lost or has gradually disappeared. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's particularly prevalent in news, sports, and literature. To enhance your writing, remember that this phrase is best used for intangible losses, not physical drops, and alternatives like "it was lost" or "it faded away" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. High quality sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was lost

Focuses on the state of being lost rather than the process of slipping away.

it disappeared

Emphasizes the vanishing aspect, often suddenly and completely.

it vanished

Similar to 'disappeared' but may imply a more mysterious or inexplicable disappearance.

it faded away

Suggests a gradual loss of visibility or importance.

it was squandered

Implies that something valuable was wasted or lost through carelessness.

it petered out

Describes a gradual decline and eventual cessation.

it dissolved

Suggests a breaking apart or disintegration.

it escaped

Focuses on the act of breaking free or getting away from confinement or control.

it eluded us

Highlights the failure to grasp or achieve something.

it proved unattainable

Emphasizes the impossibility of reaching or achieving something.

FAQs

What does "it slipped away" mean?

The phrase "it slipped away" generally means that something has been lost, missed, or has gradually disappeared. It often refers to opportunities, time, or advantages that were not seized or retained.

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

You can use alternatives like "it was lost", "it disappeared", or "it faded away" depending on the context.

Is "it slipped away" formal or informal?

"It slipped away" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

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

You can use "it slipped away" in a sentence like this: "The company had a chance to innovate, but the opportunity "it was lost" when leadership became complacent".