it was slipped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was slipped" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was accidentally or intentionally passed or delivered without notice. Example: "During the meeting, it was slipped that the project deadline had been moved up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The one occasion he took LSD was late in life, and it was slipped to him without his knowledge.

The Guardian - Arts

It was slipped into a congressional appropriations bill at the last minute, without any congressional hearings or even a formal request from the Air Force.

The New Yorker

Instead of a prime-ministerial launch, it was slipped out in mid-August just before the A-level results by the department of health, while Theresa May was on holiday in the Swiss Alps.

The Guardian

The Return Of The Durutti Column is noted for its sleeve made of sandpaper, which ruined the cover of any other albums when it was slipped out of a record rack.

The Guardian - Music

To show his displeasure, Mr. Disney's resignation letter was delivered to the news media before it reached Mr. Eisner, who was watching a football game in New York when it was slipped under his door.

The New York Times

Though it was barely noticed when it was slipped out in the autumn statement in November, housing associations quickly pointed out that the cut was likely to lead to widespread closures of specialist social housing, including homeless hostels, domestic violence refuges, and sheltered housing for elderly and vulnerable people.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Colby Chester, its treasurer said it was slipping.

The New Yorker

"It was slipping away".

The New York Times - Sports

It was slipping out of our fingers.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was slipping into the river, into the inflow channel".

The New Yorker

"I felt it was slipping away," Sampras said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was slipped", consider the context to ensure the subtlety or lack of awareness is clear. For example, specify who was unaware or the circumstances that made it subtle.

Common error

Avoid using "it was slipped" when the context already makes it clear that something was done secretly or subtly. Redundancy can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was slipped" primarily functions as a passive construction used to describe an action performed on a subject without the subject's direct involvement or knowledge. As Ludwig AI examples show, this construction is frequently employed to describe the discreet or secretive insertion of something into a particular context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was slipped" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something being passed or inserted discreetly, often without drawing attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that the context supports the implication of subtlety or secrecy. Alternatives like "it was secretly passed" or "it was covertly added" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. While generally acceptable, avoiding redundancy by not overemphasizing the obvious is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was secretly passed

Highlights the covert transfer of something.

it was underhandedly given

Emphasizes the deceitful nature of giving something.

it was smuggled in

Emphasizes the act of bringing something in secretly and illegally.

it was inserted

Focuses on the act of placing something within something else discreetly.

it was quietly leaked

Suggests the release of information in a discreet, often unauthorized manner.

it was stealthily placed

Stresses the secretive and careful placement of an object.

it was quietly added

Emphasizes the addition of something in a way that avoids attention.

it was inconspicuously delivered

Focuses on the delivery of something in a way that does not attract notice.

it was subtly introduced

Indicates a gentle or indirect introduction of something.

it was pushed through unnoticed

Indicates that something was successfully implemented without being noticed.

FAQs

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

Use "it was slipped" to indicate something was passed or inserted discreetly, often without explicit knowledge or permission. For instance, "it was slipped into the budget proposal at the last minute".

What does "it was slipped" mean?

The phrase "it was slipped" implies a subtle or secretive passing of something, either physically or informationally. It suggests a lack of directness or openness.

Are there formal alternatives to "it was slipped"?

While "it was slipped" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives could include "it was discreetly introduced", "it was covertly added", or "it was surreptitiously inserted" depending on the desired nuance.

When is it inappropriate to use "it was slipped"?

Avoid using "it was slipped" in situations where the action was clearly open and transparent. The phrase implies a degree of secrecy or subtlety that wouldn't fit a public or obvious action.