slip down

USAGE SUMMARY

"slip down" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is sliding down, such as a liquid or solid material. For example: "I watched as the syrup slowly slipped down the side of the plate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His eyelids slip down, shut, open, shut.

The Guardian

But do not slip down that ramp.

The Guardian

So no doubt our economy will slip down, but then we may bounce back".

The New Yorker

"We've nearly got to the top and then you slip down again.

The Guardian - Sport

Once you put in the bottle, it will not slip down anymore.

The Guardian

After a dramatic rise, he is keen not to slip down again.

The Guardian - Sport

He was likely to slip down into poverty at any moment.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Mineo was wearing low-slung pants, which had begun to slip down during the chase.

The New York Times

As they slip down, one is inclined to reflect on their briny origins.

The New York Times

It's very easy to slip down a slippery slope — and very hard to climb back up again.

The New York Times

The result sees the Bees move up to 11th while Leeds slip down to 13th.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slip down" to describe a gradual or unintended downward movement, whether literal (like clothing) or figurative (like rankings).

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "slip down" (to move downward) with "slip up" (to make a mistake). The context will usually make the meaning clear, but double-check your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slip down" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a downward movement or a decline in position, status, or quality. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slip down" is a common phrasal verb used to describe a downward movement or a decline. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media sources. While it can be used in a variety of contexts, from describing physical objects sliding down to indicating a fall in rankings, it's important to be mindful of potential confusion with similar phrases like "slip up". Furthermore, as Ludwig showcases, consider using alternative phrases like ""slide down"" or "fall down" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slide down

Emphasizes a smooth, continuous downward movement.

fall down

Implies a sudden and uncontrolled descent.

drop down

Suggests a quick and often unexpected downward shift.

descend

A more formal term for moving downward.

decline

Indicates a decrease in quality, rank, or condition.

sink

Implies a gradual downward movement, often into a liquid or soft substance.

lower oneself

Suggests a deliberate action of moving oneself downward.

plummet

Implies a rapid and dramatic fall.

recede

Indicates a moving back or away, which can imply a downward direction.

subside

Suggests a sinking or settling to a lower level.

FAQs

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

You can use "slip down" to describe a physical downward movement, like "Her glasses "slide down" her nose", or a figurative decline, such as "The team began to "decline" in the rankings".

What does "slip down" mean in the context of rankings?

In rankings, "slip down" means to "fall in rank" or position, indicating a decline in performance or status.

Is "slide down" or "slip down" more appropriate?

"Slide down" and "slip down" are often interchangeable when referring to a smooth descent. However, "slip down" can also imply a more accidental or unintended movement. Consider if the movement is deliberate or not to choose the best fit.

What are some alternatives to "slip down" when talking about quality?

When discussing a decline in quality, you might use phrases like "deteriorate", "degrade", or "go downhill" instead of "slip down".