slipped slightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slipped slightly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a minor or subtle movement or change in position. Example: "The book slipped slightly from the edge of the table, but I caught it just in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They slipped slightly after hours.

The New York Times

The dollar slipped slightly against the euro.

The New York Times

Android's market share doubled, while Apple's iOS slipped slightly.

The New York Times

Investors were kinder to Motorola, which slipped slightly after hours.

The New York Times

England's fielding slipped slightly from the standard set at Chelmsford.

The Guardian - Sport

In the United States, the comparable share slipped slightly from 17.4 percent to 16.5 percent.

The New York Times

One finger slipped slightly, brushing against the wrong key before hitting the right one.

The New York Times

Consumer discretionary and health care stocks rose, while telecommunications and utilities sectors slipped slightly.

The New York Times

Following almost ten years' growth, Asda's market share has slipped slightly to 16.7%.

The Economist

Bryan Roberts, the insights director at Kantar Retail, said: "Store standards have slipped slightly.

Independent

They kept the take where I slipped slightly, which was annoying.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slipped slightly" to describe minor reductions or declines in quantifiable metrics such as market share, stock prices, or performance ratings. It accurately conveys a small degree of change without implying a significant negative impact.

Common error

Avoid using "slipped slightly" when the decline is substantial or has serious implications. A more impactful phrase like "decreased significantly" or "dropped sharply" would be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slipped slightly" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the extent or degree of the action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common expression used to describe a minor change or decline. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slipped slightly" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to denote a minor or subtle decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember to use this phrase to soften the impact of a decline, and ensure it aligns with the magnitude of the change you're describing. Be mindful of overstating the significance if the decrease is substantial. Overall, this phrase adds nuance and precision to your writing when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declined marginally

Indicates a slight decrease, focusing on a downward trend rather than a physical slip.

decreased a bit

Implies a small reduction, using more general terms for a less formal tone.

reduced marginally

Highlights a small reduction, suitable for numerical or quantitative contexts.

diminished incrementally

Suggests a gradual decrease, emphasizing the step-by-step nature of the reduction.

lessened gradually

Focuses on a slow decrease, fitting contexts where the change is subtle and progressive.

eased off a little

Conveys a slight relaxation or decrease in intensity, suitable for describing pressure or effort.

receded modestly

Indicates a slight retreat or decline, often used in contexts involving water levels or economic indicators.

softened minimally

Implies a slight reduction in harshness or intensity, suitable for describing changes in sound or texture.

tapered off gently

Suggests a gradual decrease to a point, implying a smooth reduction over time.

waned imperceptibly

Highlights a barely noticeable decrease, suitable for contexts where the change is very subtle.

FAQs

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

You can use "slipped slightly" to indicate a minor decrease or decline. For example, "The company's profits "slipped slightly" this quarter due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to "slipped slightly"?

Alternatives include "declined marginally", "decreased a bit", or "reduced marginally", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "slightly slipped" instead of "slipped slightly"?

While "slightly slipped" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""slipped slightly"" is the more common and natural phrasing in English.

What's the difference between "slipped slightly" and "decreased significantly"?

"Slipped slightly" indicates a small, often barely noticeable decrease, while "decreased significantly" implies a much larger and more important reduction.