slipped out of

USAGE SUMMARY

"slipped out of" is a correct phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that accidentally left or escaped from a certain place or situation. It can also be used to describe something that was said unintentionally. Example: The cat slipped out of the open window and ran into the neighbor's yard. Example: The secret slipped out of her mouth before she could stop herself.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr Bout has slipped out of tight corners before.

The Economist

Then the piano slipped out of Newsom's hands and into the plate of discarded chicken.

The New Yorker

Then the phone slipped out of my hand and I lost it in the snow.

The New Yorker

Liverpool slipped out of the Cup.

Independent

Everything slipped out of our grasp.

The New York Times

But they've all slipped out of vogue.

Independent

It then slipped out of the repertory.

The New York Times - Arts

The ball slipped out of his hand.

The New York Times - Sports

She slipped out of the cafetorium.

The New Yorker

By then Madrid had slipped out of the race.

The Guardian - Sport

It slipped out of his hand and a run scored.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slipped out of" to describe a gradual or subtle movement or escape. It's less appropriate for forceful or abrupt departures.

Common error

Avoid using "slipped out of" to describe actions involving force or intentionality. Instead of "He slipped out of the handcuffs", consider "He broke free from the handcuffs" or "He escaped the handcuffs" to better convey the forceful nature of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slipped out of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often part of a verb phrase. It indicates a movement or a state change, where something or someone leaves a place, situation, or grasp, often unintentionally. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase suggests a subtle or accidental departure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slipped out of" is a versatile prepositional phrase primarily used to describe unintentional or subtle movements, escapes, or releases. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and its frequency of use is very common, spanning across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. For scenarios requiring more formal language or different nuances, alternatives like "escaped from" or "withdrew from" may be considered. Remember to consider the context of your writing to correctly represent actions that can involve some type of force, rather than the smooth action suggested by the word "slipped".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escaped from

Focuses on the act of breaking free from confinement or a difficult situation.

got away from

Implies a successful evasion, often from a pursuer or captor.

managed to leave

Emphasizes the act of successfully departing a place or situation, often with some difficulty.

stepped out of

Suggests a deliberate and controlled exit from a place or situation.

withdrew from

Indicates a formal or intentional removal from a commitment or involvement.

detached from

Implies a separation from something previously connected or attached.

drifted away from

Suggests a gradual and unintentional separation from something.

accidentally left

Highlights the unintentional nature of departing or releasing something.

inadvertently revealed

Emphasizes the unintentional disclosure of information.

unintentionally disclosed

Focuses on the accidental nature of revealing something.

FAQs

How can I use "slipped out of" in a sentence?

You can use "slipped out of" to describe someone or something that unintentionally leaves a place or situation, such as "The key "slipped out of" my pocket", or to describe unintentionally revealing a secret, such as "The truth "slipped out of" her mouth".

What are some alternatives to "slipped out of" for describing an escape?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "slipped out of" for describing an escape include "escaped from", "got away from", or "managed to leave".

Is it appropriate to use "slipped out of" in formal writing?

While "slipped out of" is generally acceptable, consider the specific context. In highly formal writing, alternatives like "withdrew from" or "detached from" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "slipped out of" and "stepped out of"?

"Slipped out of" typically implies an unintentional or subtle departure, while "stepped out of" suggests a deliberate and controlled exit. For instance, "She "slipped out of" the room unnoticed", versus "She "stepped out of" the room for a moment".