slide along

USAGE SUMMARY

"slide along" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use "slide along" when describing movement, specifically a smooth and continuous movement, in a sentence. It is often used to describe something moving along a surface without much effort or resistance. Example: The toy car slid along the track, effortlessly gliding around the curves.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you have to slide along, it is too tight.

Harvard University

It didn't matter; there was so much room in every direction that one could just slide along at one's leisure.

The New Yorker

"The pen seems to slide along," she said, "and the drawing comes out in a continuous movement.

The New York Times - Arts

Finally there is a snap link Karabiner which we slide along ropes as we jump across crevasses.

BBC

This binding groove cannot be preformed because a chitin oligomer GlcNAc cannot enter a preformed binding groove and "slide along" the two LysM domain binding sites.

eLife

Slide along and cut as carefully as you can.

WikiHow

The panels slide along tracks concealed within the frame.

The New York Times

Have no polarity, and other motor molecules don't slide along them.

Columbia University

The vehicles bump and slide along for the four-hour journey.

The Guardian

Do we plaster ourselves against the wall and slide along it when we leave a restaurant?

The New Yorker

But she was invited to send a slide along anyway and her work was accepted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slide along", consider the context of motion; ensure it accurately reflects the smooth, continuous movement you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "slide along" when describing movements that are not smooth or continuous. For actions with stops and starts, consider alternatives like "move in steps" or "jerk forward."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slide along" functions primarily as a verb phrase describing a particular type of motion. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse sources, indicating its general applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slide along" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe smooth and continuous movement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While alternatives like "glide along" and "drift along" exist, "slide along" effectively conveys the idea of effortless progression along a surface. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects a smooth, continuous motion to avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glide along

Emphasizes a smooth and effortless movement.

move smoothly

Focuses on the lack of friction or resistance during the motion.

drift along

Suggests a passive movement, often influenced by external forces.

progress smoothly

Highlights the advancement or forward movement in a seamless manner.

skate along

Implies movement on a slippery surface, like ice.

coast along

Suggests moving without power or effort, often downhill.

slip along

Indicates a movement that might be unintentional or uncontrolled.

advance steadily

Highlights a consistent and gradual forward movement.

proceed unhindered

Focuses on the absence of obstacles or interruptions during movement.

travel effortlessly

Emphasizes the ease and lack of strain during the journey.

FAQs

How is "slide along" used in a sentence?

The phrase "slide along" describes a smooth, continuous movement along a surface. For example, "The puck slid along the ice" or "The drawer slid along the rails".

What are some alternatives to "slide along"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "glide along", "move smoothly", or "drift along".

When is it appropriate to use "slide along"?

It's appropriate when describing objects or entities moving smoothly over a surface, often with little friction. For example, describing ice skaters or parts moving within a machine.

Is "slide along" formal or informal?

The phrase "slide along" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as evidenced by its usage in news articles, scientific papers, and casual writing.