slip along

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slip along" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe moving quietly or smoothly in a particular direction, often without drawing attention. Example: "As the sun began to set, we decided to slip along the path to avoid disturbing the wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The earthquake was triggered by a slip along the San Andreas Fault.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Make sure you roll down the window as you slip along the traffic-free lanes.

The New York Times

Chlieh, M. et al. Distribution of discrete seismic asperities and aseismic slip along the Ecuadorian megathrust.

Nature

Most, if not all, earthquakes are caused by rapid slip along faults.

Britannica

Flank deformation is often caused by slip along a décollement within or underneath the volcanic edifice.

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research

Panel instability that may arise due to slip along pre-existing faults has not been considered.

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

The gas and field are effectively confined to moving together, even though the gas can slip along the field freely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The movements of discrete dislocations are restricted to slip along preferred slip planes.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Deformation and distribution of stresses around underground excavations in jointed rock masses are influenced by yield and slip along joints.

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

The dynamics and geometry of slip along a fault govern the distribution of heterogeneities and, inturn, these heterogeneities organize slip.

Journal of Structural Geology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In contrast, in this paper we examine growth strata associated with a 3D fault-bend fold that exhibits variations in slip along-strike.

Journal of Structural Geology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slip along" to describe movement that is smooth, quiet, and often unobtrusive. It can apply to physical movement or the progression of a process.

Common error

Avoid using "slip along" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language is expected. Opt for terms like 'progress', 'advance', or 'move smoothly' to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slip along" primarily functions as an intransitive phrasal verb. It describes a manner of movement or progression, often suggesting smoothness and lack of resistance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slip along" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe smooth and often quiet movement or progression. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its frequency is considered common, appearing most often in scientific and news contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid using it in highly formal settings where more precise language may be required. Consider related phrases like "glide along" or "slide along" for similar meanings. Remember to use "slip along" when you want to convey a sense of ease and lack of disruption in movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glide along

Emphasizes smooth, effortless movement, similar to "slip along" but with a more graceful connotation.

slide along

Highlights a continuous movement with minimal friction, closely related to "slip along" in its literal sense.

creep along

Suggests slow, stealthy movement, adding an element of caution or secrecy not always present in "slip along".

move smoothly

A more general term that captures the ease of motion implied by "slip along".

progress steadily

Focuses on consistent forward movement, which might be part of the action of "slip along".

continue uninterrupted

Implies a smooth, ongoing process without disturbances, highlighting the uninterrupted aspect of "slip along".

advance quietly

Emphasizes silent and subtle movement, a characteristic often associated with "slip along".

flow along

Conveys a sense of seamless, continuous motion, akin to "slip along" but with a fluid quality.

edge along

Suggests moving cautiously and slowly, different from the potentially faster movement implied by "slip along".

go smoothly

Highlights the absence of problems or difficulties during movement, which can be a characteristic of "slip along".

FAQs

How can I use "slip along" in a sentence?

You can use "slip along" to describe a smooth, quiet movement, such as, "The boat seemed to "glide along" the surface of the lake" or "The negotiations "progressed steadily", despite the initial disagreements."

What's a good alternative for "slip along"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "slip along" include "glide along", "slide along", or "creep along". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "slip along" formal or informal?

"Slip along" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It's suitable for everyday conversation and many writing contexts, but might be too casual for highly formal or technical documents. Consider using a more precise alternative like "advance quietly" in those cases.

What does "slip along" mean in the context of geological faults?

In geology, "slip along" refers to the movement of tectonic plates along a fault line. This movement can be gradual or sudden, leading to earthquakes. It describes the physical process of one landmass moving in relation to another.