slide

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'slide' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun or a verb. For example: "I slid down the slide at the playground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: UK top 10 albums of 2014 are all by British artists for first time Taylor said that the slide in British CD sales, precipitated by the rise of illegal downloads and digital sales and streaming, appeared to be slowing.

The Guardian

Despite the impressive finishing, the game lacked finesse for long spells and McCormack almost capitalised on slack Wigan defending for a second time after latching on to a cross-field pass from Michael Turner, only for the striker to be halted by a desperate last-ditch slide from Emmerson Boyce.

The Guardian - Sport

The biggest story to emerge about X Factor in 2011 seems to be the story of X Factor itself, and its apparently irreversible slide into oblivion.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A "really long tube slide" was the element over which she refused to budge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They probably sneered even harder when I whooped down the water slide from the top deck, somersaulting into the pea-soup-coloured water.

The Guardian - Travel

It has been a slow slide and there's no sign of it reversing," she said.

The Guardian

The former Brighton, Port Vale and Leicester manager joined the club in December but was unable to prevent the Blades' slide into the relegation zone and their return to the third tier for the first time since 1988-89.

The Guardian - Sport

On Wood's home turf, as elsewhere in Wales, what's most striking is Labour's quiet slide.

The Guardian

The larger, more traditional high-ceilinged "white cube" space in the rear has accommodated a ghostly slide projector installation from English artist Claire Harvey's "life in black and white" miniature world, plus more conventional sculpture and painting exhibitions from established artists such as Folkert de Jong and Sven Kroner.

The Guardian - Travel

Sunderland slipped into the Third Division for the first time in their history as a tearful Stokoe left the club after ultimately failing to arrest the slide started by the McMenemy regime.

The Guardian - Sport

He said: "While the threat from Russia, together with the risk it brings of a miscalculation resulting in a slide into strategic conflict, however unlikely we see that as being right now, represents an obvious existential threat to our whole being, we of course face threats from Isis and other instabilities to our way of life and the security of our loved ones".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slide" in technical writing, be specific about the type of movement. Is it a smooth glide, a sudden slip, or a controlled descent? Using descriptive language will improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "slide" and "glide" interchangeably. While both imply movement, "glide" suggests a smoother, more effortless motion. Choose "slide" when there's an element of friction or less control.

Linguistic Context

The word "slide" functions primarily as both a noun and a verb. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts. Examples show it denoting physical movement and metaphorical declines, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "slide" is a versatile term used both as a noun and a verb to describe a variety of movements and declines. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Analysis of various sources reveals that "slide" frequently appears in News & Media, as well as in Formal & Business and Science contexts. The examples demonstrate usage ranging from physical movement (like a playground slide) to describing economic downturns. While synonyms like "glide" and "slip" exist, the best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glide

Emphasizes smooth and effortless movement, often in a more graceful or elegant manner.

slip

Highlights a sudden or unintended movement, often suggesting a loss of control or balance.

skid

Refers to a sliding movement, particularly of a vehicle, due to loss of traction.

descend

Implies a downward movement, often in a controlled or gradual manner.

plummet

Indicates a rapid and uncontrolled fall or descent.

slither

Suggests a smooth, sinuous movement, often associated with snakes or other reptiles.

cascade

Refers to a falling or flowing movement, often of water or other liquids, in a series of stages.

tumble

Implies a rolling or unsteady movement, often suggesting a loss of balance or control.

slump

Indicates a sudden or gradual decline or deterioration, often in a physical or economic context.

deteriorate

Focuses on the process of becoming worse or declining in quality or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "slide" in a sentence?

The word "slide" can function as a noun or a verb. As a noun: "The children enjoyed the playground slide." As a verb: "The car began to slide on the icy road."

What are some synonyms for the verb "slide"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "slide" include "glide", "slip", "skid", or "descend".

Is it correct to say "the slide in sales" or "the slip in sales"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "The "slide in sales"" suggests a gradual decline, while "the "slip in sales"" implies a sudden and unexpected drop.

What's the difference between a "slide" and a "slump"?

While both "slide" and "slump" can describe a decline, "slide" generally refers to a gradual or continuous decline, whereas "slump" often suggests a more abrupt or significant fall.