slide back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slide back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a movement or action of returning to a previous position or state, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "As the door began to slide back, I could see the beautiful garden beyond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Many slide back.

The New York Times - Sports

Europe would slide back into recession.

Independent

The seats slide back & forth too.

The New Yorker

It is very easy to slide back into dictatorship".

The New Yorker

I spend time reminiscing as I slide back towards oblivion.

The New York Times

The trick is air walls, huge movable slabs that slide back and forth like pocket doors.

The New York Times

The economy was just recovering and now it's going to slide back".

The New York Times

And still she knows that her daughter could slide back, as could any of the others.

The New York Times

For every step you take in scree, you slide back a few inches.

The New York Times - Travel

Libyans and international actors must act now to stave off a slide back into civil war.

The New York Times

Another would be for Lebanon to slide back into civil war.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slide back" to describe a decline or regression, consider the specific context. Choose more precise verbs like "regress", "relapse", or "revert" if they better capture the nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "slide back" when a more specific term accurately conveys the type of regression. For instance, instead of saying "the economy may slide back", specify if it's a "recession" or a "downturn".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "slide back" functions primarily to describe a movement or a return to a previous position or state. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing examples ranging from literal physical movement to metaphorical regressions. The phrase indicates a process of going backward, whether intended or unintended.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "slide back" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a return to a previous position or state. Ludwig AI highlights that its usage spans physical movement and metaphorical regressions, often serving a descriptive or cautionary purpose. While generally neutral in register, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and whether a more precise term might be more effective. The phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, although context dictates the most appropriate substitute when available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slip back

Suggests a subtle or unintentional return to a former state or condition.

fall back

Implies a retreat or return to a previous position, often in a defensive or strategic context.

revert

Suggests a return to a former practice, belief, or condition.

recede

Indicates a gradual movement away or back, often implying a reduction in size or intensity.

regress

Implies a return to a less developed state or condition.

relapse

Specifically refers to a return to a previous state of illness or bad behavior.

move backward

A more literal description of physical movement in reverse.

draw back

Indicates a physical or metaphorical movement away from something.

shrink back

Implies a movement away due to fear or discomfort.

return

A general term for going back to a previous place or state.

FAQs

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

You can use "slide back" to describe a physical movement, like "The door began to slide back", or a metaphorical regression, such as "The country might slide back into civil war".

What are some alternatives to "slide back"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slip back", "recede", or "fall back".

Is it appropriate to use "slide back" in formal writing?

Yes, "slide back" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing a gradual decline or regression. However, consider if a more precise term would be more effective.

What's the difference between "slide back" and "slip back"?

"Slide back" often implies a more controlled or gradual movement, while "slip back" suggests something more unintentional or subtle. Both are used metaphorically to describe a return to a previous state.