slide away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slide away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of moving smoothly or gradually away from a position or situation, often implying a sense of ease or subtlety. Example: "As the sun began to set, the colors of the sky seemed to slide away into darkness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I jumped in shock and felt the hand slide away.

The Guardian

They'll slide away as usual," one woman said.

The Guardian

If he loses his serve here, the match will begin to slide away.

The New York Times

As the match began to slide away, he managed to win his serve from 40-15.

The New York Times

"The government should not let this slide away, because this is not an accident.

The New York Times

After a while, she began to slide away from the inside.

The New York Times - Books

The titans of modern dance techniques – Cunningham and Graham – are starting to slide away.

The Guardian

The pair performed a string of Oasis hits including "Wonderwall", "Slide Away", "Listen Up" and "Cast No Shadow".

Independent

The kitchen is open, and two walls of one of the bedrooms can slide away to lengthen the living room.

The New York Times

All the mothers clung to the rail, and all the babies clung to their mothers and watched England slide away.

The Guardian - Books

Each time his coaches screamed that he needed to slide away from tackles or dash out of bounds.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slide away" to describe gradual movements, declines, or disappearances. It's particularly effective when emphasizing a smooth, subtle transition rather than an abrupt change.

Common error

Avoid using "slide away" to describe sudden or abrupt disappearances. This phrase implies a gradual process, so using it in contexts that demand immediate action, or rapid disappearance could be misleading. Choose a more fitting verb that implies immediacy, such as "vanish" or "disappear".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slide away" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, often used intransitively. It describes a process of gradual movement, disappearance, or decline, as evidenced by Ludwig AI's analysis and the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slide away" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe gradual movement, disappearance, or decline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in Science and Wiki sources. When writing, use "slide away" to describe subtle and continuous transitions rather than sudden events. Related phrases include ""drift away"" and ""fade away"", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Overall, understanding the subtle connotations of "slide away" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drift away

Emphasizes a slow, gradual movement or separation.

fade away

Focuses on the gradual disappearance or loss of intensity.

slip away

Suggests a subtle, almost unnoticed departure or decline.

recede

Implies a movement backwards or away from a previous position.

ebb

Conveys a gradual decline or reduction, often associated with tides.

vanish

Indicates a sudden and complete disappearance.

disappear

A more general term for ceasing to be visible or present.

melt away

Suggests a gradual disappearance as if by melting.

dissipate

Implies a scattering or spreading out until nothing remains.

wane

Focuses on a gradual decrease in power, influence, or intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "slide away" in a sentence?

You can use "slide away" to describe something gradually disappearing or moving, such as "The opportunity began to "slide away" as time passed" or "He felt his strength "slide away" during the illness".

What is a good alternative to "slide away"?

Alternatives to "slide away" include "drift away", "fade away", or "slip away", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as "sliding away"?

When something is described as "sliding away", it typically means it is gradually disappearing, declining, or moving out of reach. The imagery suggests a smooth, almost effortless transition.

Is there a difference between "slide away" and "slip away"?

While both phrases imply a gradual departure, ""slide away"" often suggests a smoother, more continuous motion, whereas ""slip away"" can imply a more subtle or secretive departure.