slipped away

USAGE SUMMARY

"slipped away" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to mean to have gone away unexpectedly or unnoticed, like when discussing time passing or a person leaving somewhere without being noticed. For example, "The years slipped away, and soon she was looking back on a life well lived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Fazlullah slipped away.

The New Yorker

My 30s slipped away.

The New York Times

But Lin slipped away.

The New York Times - Sports

But Mr. Rathore slipped away.

The New York Times

She slipped away from me.

The New Yorker

Philby slipped away to Russia.

The New Yorker

The real Agrippina slipped away.

The New Yorker

It has all slipped away.

The New Yorker

Once again, he slipped away.

The New York Times

She slipped away again.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

slipping away . . .

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slipped away" to describe subtle or unnoticed departures, whether of people, opportunities, or time. It's effective in conveying a sense of loss or missed chances.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "slipped away" excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "departed", "diminished", or "evacuated" depending on the context to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"Slipped away" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "slipped" with the adverbial particle "away" to create a distinct meaning. It describes the act of departing quietly or unnoticed, the gradual disappearance of something, or in more sensitive contexts, a gentle passing as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Slipped away" is a versatile phrasal verb with a range of meanings, primarily revolving around subtle departures, gradual disappearances, or gentle transitions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is best to avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing, opting for more precise alternatives depending on the context. Common uses include describing unnoticed departures, missed opportunities, or even death, conveying a sense of loss or gentle passing. Semantically related phrases include "faded away", "vanished", and "quietly departed", each with slight nuances that can enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faded away

This alternative refers to something gradually disappearing or losing its strength.

vanished

Implies a sudden and complete disappearance without a trace.

disappeared unnoticed

Highlights the aspect of leaving without being detected.

quietly departed

Emphasizes a silent and subtle departure.

escaped

Focuses on breaking free from a situation or confinement.

stole away

Suggests a secretive or surreptitious departure.

receded

Describes a gradual decline or withdrawal.

dissipated

Indicates something scattering or fading into nothing.

evaporated

Implies a complete and quick disappearance, similar to water turning into vapor.

drifted off

Suggests a gradual and passive movement away.

FAQs

How can I use "slipped away" in a sentence?

You can use "slipped away" to describe someone leaving quietly, like "He "slipped away" during the meeting". It can also describe something lost, such as "The opportunity "slipped away" before I could act".

What's a good alternative to "slipped away" when referring to time?

When referring to time, consider alternatives like "passed quickly", "elapsed", or "went by". For example, "The years "passed quickly"" instead of "The years "slipped away"".

Is it appropriate to use "slipped away" in formal writing?

While "slipped away" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or narrative contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "departed", "vanished", or "diminished" depending on the intended meaning.

What does "slipped away" mean when referring to a person's life?

When referring to a person's life, "slipped away" often means that they died peacefully or quietly. It suggests a gentle passing, such as "Her soul mate "slipped away" last night".