kept slipping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept slipping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that continues to slide or fall out of place, often in a figurative sense, such as time or attention. Example: "Despite my best efforts to stay focused, my thoughts kept slipping away during the lecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My hands kept slipping.

The New York Times

He kept slipping and started to cry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Deadlines on deployment kept slipping, by years.

The New York Times

Louisville kept slipping into more foul trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, the crew kept slipping up.

The New Yorker

The cost kept rising and the delivery date kept slipping.

The New York Times

The shoulder straps of his overalls kept slipping down.

The New Yorker

He kept slipping outside for a cigarette in the rain.

The New Yorker

But the wooden handle kept slipping out of my hands.

The New York Times

But eyebrows arched when the rabbi kept slipping up.

The New York Times

The box kept slipping down the slight tree's trunk.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept slipping" to vividly describe repeated unintended movement or loss of control, whether physical or metaphorical, enhancing the reader's understanding of the situation's instability.

Common error

While versatile, "kept slipping" may sound too informal in highly formal or academic writing. Consider using alternatives like "repeatedly lost traction" or "consistently failed to maintain" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept slipping" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a continuous or repetitive action. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing both literal sliding and figurative loss of ground or control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept slipping" is a versatile and common expression used to describe the continuous or repeated action of sliding or losing control. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. While suitable for various contexts, it's essential to consider the tone, opting for more formal alternatives like "repeatedly lost traction" in academic or professional settings. Its high frequency in news and media highlights its general acceptability, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued to slide

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the sliding motion.

repeatedly lost footing

Focuses on the action of losing balance and stability.

persistently slid

Highlights the continuous and unwavering nature of the sliding.

incessantly lost grip

Stresses the constant and unrelenting loss of hold.

constantly fell back

Implies a repeated regression or failure to maintain position.

failed to maintain hold

Highlights the inability to keep a firm grasp.

struggled to stay in place

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty in maintaining a position.

gradually declined

Suggests a slow and steady descent or deterioration.

progressively worsened

Indicates a step-by-step decline in condition or quality.

steadily deteriorated

Emphasizes the consistent and unwavering degradation.

FAQs

How can I use "kept slipping" in a sentence?

You can use "kept slipping" to describe physical actions, such as "My hands "kept slipping" on the wet rope", or metaphorical situations, such as "The deadline "kept slipping" due to unforeseen delays".

What are some alternatives to "kept slipping"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "continued to slide", "repeatedly lost footing", or "steadily declined" instead of ""kept slipping"".

Is it grammatically correct to use "kept slipping"?

Yes, ""kept slipping"" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to describe a continuous or repeated action of sliding or losing grip.

When is it appropriate to use "kept slipping" in writing?

"Kept slipping" is appropriate in various contexts, from describing physical mishaps to metaphorical declines. However, consider more formal alternatives like "consistently failed" in academic or professional settings.