slip further down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slip further down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual movement or descent to a lower position or level, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "As the night went on, I could feel myself slip further down into a state of relaxation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

A loss here would see him slip further down that sandbank, away from the title.

Independent

No longer number one, Wayne will slip further down the rankings.

The Economist

Each time the global rankings of universities is published Irish colleges seem to slip further down the league table.

The Times

If ministers and bureaucrats managing British education have their way, the twain will soon slip further down the list, too.

The Economist

Wozniacki, now the world No 10, found some form two months ago with her run to the final in Indian Wells but will need to rediscover it again if she is not to slip further down the rankings.

Independent

United will slip further down the list as a destination club for elite managers – and players – and Woodward will be cast as a character from Samuel Beckett: unable to act decisively, forever waiting for events to happen to him, rather than shaping them.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The country slipped further down in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, ranking 147 out of 179 countries this year.

TechCrunch

They failed to gain promotion following this and slipped further down.

Wikipedia

The move should ensure regular action for Hart after he slipped further down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium following the signing of Claudio Bravo from Barcelona.

The Guardian - Sport

The forward, who joined from Newcastle for £7m in January, has only featured once under José Mourinho and effectively slipped further down the pecking order in south-west London following the arrival of Samuel Eto'o from Anzhi Makhachkala.

The Guardian - Sport

That set the stage for Raisman, whose solid, composed beam routine – a score of 14.866 second only on the apparatus to Biles – moved her into third, while Andrade slipped further down the standings to seventh after two significant bobbles followed by a small hop on the dismount resulted in a score of 13.600.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slip further down" to describe a gradual decline or descent, whether in physical position, status, or condition. This phrase is particularly effective when highlighting a negative trend or consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "slip further down" excessively in purely abstract contexts where more precise verbs like "decline" or "deteriorate" would offer greater clarity. Ensure the image of slipping retains some relevance to the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slip further down" primarily functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a gradual decline or descent. Ludwig AI highlights its use across various contexts, implying a movement to a lower position or level, either physically or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slip further down" is used to describe a gradual decline in status, position, or condition. While grammatically sound, Ludwig shows that it's not an exceptionally common phrase. It is suitable for neutral registers and frequently appears in contexts related to news and general discussions. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in purely abstract contexts and always ensure some relevance to the intended meaning to maintain clarity. Consider "decline further" or "fall further" for alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline further

Focuses on a downward trend, often in a more abstract or figurative sense.

descend further

Implies a movement to a lower physical or metaphorical level.

fall further

Emphasizes a rapid or uncontrolled downward movement.

deteriorate further

Highlights the worsening of a condition or situation.

regress further

Indicates a return to a previous, less developed state.

sink lower

Suggests a gradual descent into a negative or undesirable state.

slide further

Implies a smooth, often unintentional, downward movement.

devolve further

Focuses on a decline in quality or complexity.

go downhill further

An idiomatic expression for a situation worsening.

plummet further

Implies a steep and rapid decline.

FAQs

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

You can use "slip further down" to describe a gradual decline in status, position, or condition. For example, "If the company doesn't innovate, it will "decline further"/s/slip+further+down in the market."

What are some alternatives to "slip further down"?

Some alternatives include "decline further", "fall further", or "deteriorate further". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something "slips further down"?

When something "slips further down", it means it's gradually decreasing in importance, quality, or position. It implies a negative trend or a loss of standing over time.

Is it always negative when something "slips further down"?

Yes, the phrase "slip further down" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting a decline or worsening situation. It's rarely used in a positive or neutral sense.