slip

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “slip” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use “slip” to mean a smooth fall or to make a mistake or oversight. For example: She slipped on the ice and fell to the ground.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It said that if automatic spending cuts go into force and all the Bush-era tax cuts expire, the nation would slip into recession next year and unemployment would rise to 9.1 percent, from October's rate of 7.9 percent.

The New York Times

Several past and present England internationals – an entire slip cordon – followed suit.

The Guardian - Sport

The England Under-21 defender was making his first start at Goodison following his full debut at West Ham United and despite that almost costly slip, he produced a prominent, assured outing from left-back.

The Guardian - Sport

Many migrants realise that the best thing to do is to slip through the net, to keep their options open.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.18pm BST23 18 ET17: Brahimi gives Lahm the slip on the edge of the final third and looks set fair to make his way into the penalty area until he's dragged to the ground with the German dragging out of his shorts.

The Guardian - Sport

Trimble was tripped up by a Freudian slip during his speech to 860 delegates when he said he was giving Sinn Fein 'three years' to prove they were totally committed to peaceful means.

The Guardian

Shall we all take a moment to remember David Cameron's Freudian slip?

The Guardian - Opinion

One bride I designed for took a shapewear slip, attached it to a bra with stick on tabs at the side, and had the back of the bra altered and lowered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a federal inspection of the TSA, agents were able to slip five out of seven fake bombs in luggage past security.

The Guardian - Opinion

When you compare the gentle coverage the royals receive in the US media with what they get on their home turf, you wonder why they don't quietly slip away and settle in, say, Orlando, Florida.

The Guardian

One once recorded an urge to slip her hand under his sponsor's sweatshirt 'to see if there's a slot in his back where they insert the software'.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To imply physical movement consider the type of "slip". Skid for cars, slide for smooth surfaces and stumble for lose of balance.

Common error

Avoid using "slip" when you mean "slap", which is a sharp blow with the open hand. "Slip" refers to sliding unintentionally or making a mistake.

Linguistic Context

The word "slip" functions primarily as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes an act of sliding, a mistake, or a piece of clothing. As a verb, it describes the action of sliding or unintentionally revealing information. This duality is supported by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slip" is a versatile word with both noun and verb forms, commonly used to describe physical sliding, mistakes, or inadvertent disclosures. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts, including news, sports, and lifestyle. While "slip" is frequently found in neutral registers, understanding the specific context is crucial for precise usage. Consider alternatives like "slide", "stumble", or "err" depending on the intended meaning. As Ludwig AI highlights, avoiding confusion with similar-sounding words like "slap" is also essential for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slide

Similar in meaning to a physical "slip", implying a smooth, uncontrolled movement.

skid

Implies a sudden and uncontrolled "slip", often in the context of vehicles or movement.

stumble

Suggests a brief and unsteady "slip", often due to losing balance.

err

Focuses on the mistake aspect of a "slip", implying a deviation from what is correct.

mistake

Synonymous to an error or "slip" in judgment or action.

decline

Refers to a gradual "slip" or decrease in condition, quality, or value.

lapse

Suggests a temporary "slip" in behavior, judgment, or memory.

fall

Implies a drop in value, performance, or status, similar to a "slip".

elude

Indicates a skillful "slip" away or escape from something.

escape

Suggests to "slip" away from confinement or danger.

FAQs

How can I use "slip" in a sentence?

You can use "slip" to describe a physical fall, as in, "She "slipped on the ice"". It can also refer to a mistake, such as "a "slip of the tongue"".

What does it mean to "let something slip"?

To "let something slip" means to reveal a secret or unintentionally disclose information. For example, "He "let slip the details" of the surprise party".

What are some synonyms for "slip" when referring to a mistake?

When referring to a mistake, you can use synonyms like "error", "blunder", or "gaffe" as alternatives to "slip".

How does a "slip" differ from a "slide"?

While both involve movement, a "slip" often implies a loss of control or unintended movement, while a "slide" can be intentional or controlled.