slip by unnoticed

USAGE SUMMARY

'slip by unnoticed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe when something goes unnoticed by others, either intentionally or accidentally. For example, "The mistake slipped by unnoticed during the weekly meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Most times, these things slip by unnoticed.

The New York Times

The book's anniversary shouldn't slip by unnoticed.

The New York Times - Books

So maybe Apple can let this one slip by unnoticed?

The Washington Post

At that point, watch for slow changes that service providers may hope will slip by unnoticed.

MIT Technology Review

But thousands of Dominicans every year get past the agents with false documents, or simply slip by unnoticed.

The New York Times

But on the streets of New York, which she called "an energetic and exciting place," Ms. Chen could still slip by unnoticed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Life had slipped by unnoticed.

The New Yorker

For many readers, this exchange might have slipped by unnoticed.

The New Yorker

While Brexit voting consumed Westminster last Friday, another austerity tragedy slipped by unnoticed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ronnie Wood has a talent for turning time into a liquid substance that slips by unnoticed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That was but one of more than 8,000 animal shipments that arrived here legally over the last year, with untold additional animals slipping by unnoticed.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slip by unnoticed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is not being noticed and why. For instance, specify whether it's a mistake, a detail, or an opportunity.

Common error

While "slip by unnoticed" is generally acceptable, overuse in very informal contexts can sound unnatural. Consider simpler alternatives like "missed" or "overlooked" for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slip by unnoticed" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where something, typically an error, detail, or event, goes unobserved or undetected. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slip by unnoticed" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase signifying that something has passed without being detected or observed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, though perhaps less so in extremely informal settings where simpler alternatives might be preferred. Its prevalence in news and media sources highlights its utility in objective reporting, while its appearance in other contexts demonstrates its versatility. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what specifically went unnoticed and the underlying reasons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not be detected

Simple and direct way of expressing lack of detection.

go undetected

Focuses on the lack of detection rather than the act of slipping by.

pass unobserved

Emphasizes the lack of observation during the passing.

escape attention

Highlights the avoidance of being noticed.

go unremarked

Indicates a lack of commentary or notice.

evade notice

Suggests an active avoidance of being noticed.

remain unseen

Highlights the state of not being seen.

elude observation

Suggests a subtle and skillful avoidance of being observed.

go unheeded

Focuses on the lack of attention being paid.

pass without recognition

Emphasizes the absence of acknowledgement.

FAQs

What does "slip by unnoticed" mean?

The phrase "slip by unnoticed" means to pass or occur without being observed or detected. It suggests that something happened without anyone realizing it.

How can I use "slip by unnoticed" in a sentence?

You can use "slip by unnoticed" to describe a mistake, detail, or event that wasn't observed. For example: "The error "went undetected" during the review process".

What are some alternatives to "slip by unnoticed"?

Alternatives include "go undetected", "pass unobserved", or "escape attention". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "slip by unnoticed"?

While grammatically correct, using "slip by unnoticed" in very informal conversation might sound overly formal. In such cases, consider simpler words like "missed" or "overlooked".