slipped off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slipped off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has come off or detached from a surface or object, often unintentionally. Example: "As I was putting on my shoes, the heel of one slipped off and fell to the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And slipped off like smoke.

Princeton University

I slipped off my mittens.

The New Yorker

Then he slipped off the outpost.

The New York Times

But another leg has slipped off that pedestal.

Yale University

She slipped off the right cuff.

The Washington Post

This summer he slipped off the deck.

The New York Times

"I lost my balance and slipped off".

The New York Times - Sports

Her expression was almost tender; her hood had slipped off.

The New York Times - Arts

The skin slipped off like a silk robe.

The New York Times - Food

Then he slipped off the table and said, "Excuse me".

The New Yorker

Trackers slipped off or were chewed by the bats.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slipped off" to describe a subtle or unintentional departure or detachment, as opposed to a forceful or deliberate removal.

Common error

Avoid using "slipped off" when describing deliberate actions. For example, say "he deliberately removed the cover" instead of "he slipped off the cover" if the action was intentional.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slipped off" is that of a phrasal verb. It combines the verb 'slipped' with the preposition 'off' to create a new meaning, typically indicating a detachment or departure, often unintentional. Ludwig shows various examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slipped off" is a common phrasal verb used to describe an unintentional detachment or a quiet departure. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting well in various contexts from news reports to academic papers. Its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability. While synonyms like "came off" or "fell off" exist, "slipped off" often implies a subtle or gradual movement. Using this phrase correctly involves recognizing its informal tone and avoiding its use for deliberate actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came off

Emphasizes the act of becoming detached or separated from something.

fell off

Highlights a downward movement during the detachment.

slid off

Suggests a smooth, gradual movement during separation.

detached from

Focuses on the breaking of a connection.

disengaged from

Implies a deliberate release or separation.

vanished from

Conveys a sudden disappearance or removal.

receded from

Describes a gradual withdrawal or decline.

lost grip

Focuses on the inability to maintain a hold.

faded away

Indicates a gradual disappearance or decline in importance.

quietly left

Highlights a discreet or unnoticed departure.

FAQs

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

You can use "slipped off" to describe something unintentionally detaching from a surface or a person quietly leaving a place. For example, "The strap "slipped off" my shoulder" or "He "slipped off" to bed early".

What's a synonym for "slipped off"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "slipped off" include "came off", "fell off", or "slid off".

Is it correct to say "slipped off" in a formal context?

Yes, "slipped off" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary than the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "slipped off" and "pulled off"?

"Slipped off" implies an unintentional or gradual detachment, while "pulled off" suggests a deliberate action. For instance, "The bandage "slipped off"" versus "He "pulled off" the bandage".