may slip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may slip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the possibility of something being lost, forgotten, or not adhered to, often in a cautionary context. Example: "Please ensure you double-check your work, as important details may slip through the cracks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That timetable may slip.

The Economist

As a result, sudden wealth may slip through their fingers.

The New York Times

"I have heard it may slip into next year.

The Guardian - Business

And then one morning she may slip away.

The New Yorker

Electricity reforms have stalled, and may slip into reverse.

The Economist

However, if these talks follow the pattern set at previous meetings, that timetable may slip.

The Guardian

The china may slip, but not I — from Melmac to Minton is a one-way journey.

The New York Times

Advertising in the ballpark and on SNY, the team's regional cable network, may slip, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Trinidad's retort: "All I can say is when he gets near the top, he may slip".

The New York Times - Sports

It had hoped that this would happen this fall, but it may slip into next year.

The New York Times

Furthermore, if higher taxes eat into demand, economies may slip back into recession.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may slip" in formal writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you're referring to a timeline, "might be delayed" could be more precise. If you're discussing quality, "could diminish" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While "may slip" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal reports or academic papers. Vary your language with synonyms like "could diminish", "might regress", or other alternatives to maintain a professional tone and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may slip" functions as a modal verb construction, indicating a possibility or potential occurrence. It suggests that something is liable to decline, fail, or be forgotten. Ludwig examples show this across various contexts, from deadlines to personal privacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

34%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may slip" is a versatile expression indicating the possibility of something declining, being delayed, or being forgotten. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While it appears frequently in news and general contexts, it's advisable to vary your language in more formal settings. Consider alternatives such as "might falter" or "could diminish" to achieve a more precise and professional tone. Remember to use "may slip" appropriately to convey uncertainty or caution about potential negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might falter

Indicates a possibility of weakening or failing, shifting the focus from a gradual decline to a more sudden failure.

could diminish

Suggests a decrease in importance, quality, or size, highlighting the reduction aspect more than the accidental nature of "slip".

might regress

Implies a return to a former or less developed state, focusing on the backward movement aspect.

could degrade

Emphasizes the decline in quality or condition, often used in technical contexts.

might be delayed

Focuses specifically on a postponement or extension of a deadline, relating to time-sensitive events.

could be overlooked

Highlights the possibility of something being missed or not noticed, emphasizing the aspect of neglect.

might be forgotten

Stresses the chance of something being omitted from memory, centering the absence of recall.

could worsen

Highlights the potential for a situation to become more severe or problematic, focusing on negative development.

might be compromised

Suggests a potential weakening of integrity or security, indicating a state of being vulnerable.

could get worse

Expresses a general possibility of decline or deterioration, focusing on negative impacts and potential outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "may slip" in a sentence?

The phrase "may slip" suggests something could unintentionally fall, decline, or be forgotten. For example, "The deadline "may slip" if we don't expedite the process" or "Individual privacy "may slip" your mind if you spend all day watching people".

What are some alternatives to "may slip"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "might falter", "could diminish", or "might be delayed" as alternatives to "may slip".

When is it appropriate to use "may slip"?

It's appropriate to use "may slip" when indicating a possibility of something unintentionally going wrong, being forgotten, or declining. It's suitable for a variety of contexts, from discussing deadlines to potential errors.

What's the difference between "may slip" and "might slip"?

The difference between "may slip" and "might slip" is subtle. Both indicate possibility, but "may" sometimes implies a slightly higher degree of certainty or permission, while "might" suggests a more remote possibility. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.