slipped through

USAGE SUMMARY

"slipped through" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that was not noticed or was not successful. For example: "The mistake slipped through our quality control checks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Zou slipped through the ropes.

The New Yorker

"Musta slipped through my fingers".

The New Yorker

A few last bills slipped through.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But some appear to have slipped through.

The Economist

Hefner's shutout slipped through his glove.

The New York Times - Sports

"Something just slipped through the cracks.

The New York Times

The crown had slipped through his fingers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Emotion occasionally slipped through objectivity.

The New York Times - Sports

I slipped through the net".

The Guardian - Books

It slipped through the cracks.

The New York Times

"But my children slipped through my hands.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slipped through" to describe an error or oversight, consider specifying what measures failed to prevent it. For example, instead of saying "The error slipped through", say "The error slipped through the quality control checks."

Common error

Avoid using "slipped through" when a more direct verb is appropriate. For instance, don't say "The information slipped through my mind" when you mean "I forgot the information". The verb "slip" implies something was unintentionally missed or lost, not actively forgotten.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slipped through" functions as a phrasal verb, often acting as the predicate in a sentence. It describes an action where something or someone avoids detection, capture, or prevention. This is supported by examples found in Ludwig AI, where "slipped through" is used to describe errors, people, or opportunities that were missed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slipped through" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe something that was missed, overlooked, or avoided detection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media, Encyclopedia and Science. To enhance clarity, specify what measures failed to prevent the event. Consider alternatives such as "passed unnoticed" or "went undetected" to add nuance to your writing. Avoid using "slipped through" when a more direct verb is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passed unnoticed

Focuses on the aspect of not being observed or detected.

went undetected

Similar to "passed unnoticed", but emphasizes the lack of detection.

evaded capture

Highlights the act of avoiding being caught or apprehended.

escaped notice

Indicates that something was not noted or recognized.

fell by the wayside

Implies a gradual decline or failure to be maintained.

was overlooked

Emphasizes the act of being missed or disregarded.

slipped away

Similar to "slipped through" but suggests a more subtle or gradual disappearance.

was lost

Focuses on the aspect of losing something, whether physically or figuratively.

failed to register

Indicates that something did not make an impression or was not properly recorded.

eluded detection

Similar to "evaded capture", but emphasizes the skillful avoidance of detection.

FAQs

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

You can use "slipped through" to describe something that was missed or not caught, such as "The error "slipped through" the cracks" or "The suspect "slipped through" the police cordon".

What does it mean when something "slips through the cracks"?

When something "slips through the cracks", it means it was overlooked or missed due to gaps in a system or process. It implies a failure in preventing something from happening or being noticed.

What are some synonyms for "slipped through"?

Some synonyms for "slipped through" include "passed unnoticed", "went undetected", "evaded capture", or "escaped notice". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something "slipped through my fingers"?

Yes, saying something "slipped through my fingers" is a common idiom that means you lost an opportunity or failed to retain something that you had or almost had.