slide off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slide off" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means to move or slip away smoothly or gradually from a surface. Here are a few examples of when you might use it: 1. "The butter on my toast started to slide off when I picked it up." 2. "The child's loose shoelaces caused him to slide off the swing." 3. "The snow was so slippery that the car started to slide off the road." 4. "As the sun set, the colors on the horizon seemed to slide off into the water." 5. "She was so tired that her glasses started to slide off her nose." Overall, you can use the phrase "slide off" in any situation where a smooth and gradual movement away from a surface is occurring.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cars slide off roads.

The New York Times - Books

"The feelings don't just slide off".

The New York Times - Magazine

They will slide off with our sweat".

The Guardian

"We don't want to have to slide off of wins.

The New York Times - Sports

Their minds slide off housework into poetry or fantasy.

The New Yorker

Little girls, stupid with beer, slide off their chairs.

The New Yorker

Mr. Burrows made sure things didn't slide off.

The New York Times

"He would rather slide off to the nearest bar and forget about it.

The New Yorker

In the world's press Egypt's cataclysm has begun to slide off the front pages.

The Economist

I slide off the bed without looking at him, and he shuts the door behind me.

The New Yorker

Many slide off the official radar to work honestly, if not in accordance with immigration law.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slide off" to describe a smooth or uncontrolled movement away from a surface, ensuring the context implies a lack of friction or resistance.

Common error

Avoid using "slide off" to describe abrupt or forced separations. The phrase implies a gentle, continuous movement, not a sudden break.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "slide off" functions primarily as a verb of motion, describing the manner in which an object or substance detaches from a surface. Ludwig examples show its application in various scenarios, from cars losing control to makeup losing adherence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

33%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slide off" is a versatile phrasal verb with a clear and consistent meaning: to move smoothly and often unintentionally away from a surface. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, as well as wiki-style how-to guides, reflecting its accessibility and general applicability. While it is suitable for many contexts, writers should be mindful of its implication of smooth, uncontrolled movement and avoid using it in situations involving abrupt or forced separations. Alternatives like "slip away" or "peel off" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slip away

Implies a subtle or unnoticed departure; focuses on the action of leaving discreetly.

drift away

Suggests a gradual and passive movement, often used metaphorically for fading relationships or ideas.

peel off

Indicates the removal of a layer from a surface, emphasizing separation.

come off

Describes something becoming detached, either intentionally or unintentionally.

flake off

Refers to small pieces breaking away from a surface, highlighting gradual deterioration.

gradually decline

Focuses on a slow and steady decrease or deterioration, often in a metaphorical sense.

erode away

Implies wearing down or disintegration over time, emphasizing the destructive process.

slough off

Describes the shedding of skin or other outer layers, emphasizing renewal or change.

detach from

Highlights the act of becoming separated or disconnected from something else.

break away

Indicates a sudden or forceful separation, emphasizing independence or rebellion.

FAQs

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

You can use "slide off" to describe something smoothly detaching from a surface, as in "The snow made the car "slide off" the road".

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

"Slip off" often implies a quicker, more sudden movement than "slide off", which suggests a gradual and continuous detachment.

What can I say instead of "slide off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "drift away", "peel off", or "come off".

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

Yes, "slide off" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though consider if a more precise term might be better suited for technical or highly formal contexts.