slipping along

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slipping along" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a smooth, effortless movement or progression, often in a casual or relaxed context. Example: "As the sun began to set, we found ourselves slipping along the riverbank, enjoying the peaceful scenery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Well, get over it, because this is the future, clearly - slipping along with our hands behind our heads, loudly yawning as our car moderates between us and the braking lorry ahead.

The Guardian - Tech

Growth is slipping, along with hopes of rivalling China.

The Economist

The soldiers navigated the narrow valley for nearly an hour, slipping along the stone as a crystal stream gushed by.

The New York Times

The company does not offer monthly profit figures, but its profitability has been slipping along with its revenues.

The Guardian - Tech

The resulting pattern of impacts has been likened to the "chatter" of a carpenter's chisel slipping along the surface of a piece of wood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Air slipping along the fuselage moves slower, so the engines ingest less oxygen and burn less fuel.Making planes more slipperyChanging the shape of an aircraft can be done at a microscopic as well as a macroscopic level.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

His productions have slipped along, as if the plays were not so much being interpreted as being seen for what they were.

The Guardian

The U.S. did manage to close the economic gender gap further even as its other scores slipped, along with fellow major economic powers, Japan and Germany.

Huffington Post

Make sure you roll down the window as you slip along the traffic-free lanes.

The New York Times

"His free hand slipped along her thigh," Ms. Mina writes, entering Paddy's state of mind.

The New York Times - Books

In 1906, for instance, the San Andreas Fault slipped along a plane 430 km (270 miles) long.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slipping along" to describe movement or progress that is smooth, seemingly effortless, or even unintentional. For instance, "The project is slipping along nicely, ahead of schedule."

Common error

Avoid using "slipping along" in contexts where literal slipping (e.g., on ice) is intended. Choose more descriptive alternatives like "sliding" or "losing footing" to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slipping along" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, typically describing movement or progress that occurs smoothly and often without significant effort. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct and provides numerous examples of its application.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slipping along" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe smooth or effortless movement and progression. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability and provides examples across various contexts. It's best used when conveying ease and lack of resistance, with a slightly informal register. While its frequency is notable in news media and scientific domains, writers should avoid confusing it with literal slipping or using it when emphasizing effort. Related phrases include "gliding along" and "drifting along", each carrying subtle differences in connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gliding along

Emphasizes a smooth, frictionless movement, often with a sense of grace.

sliding along

Focuses on the physical act of sliding, suggesting less control or effort.

progressing smoothly

Highlights the advancement or development in a seamless manner.

moving effortlessly

Stresses the lack of difficulty or strain in the movement.

drifting along

Implies a passive, undirected movement, often influenced by external forces.

flowing smoothly

Suggests a continuous, uninterrupted movement, like a liquid.

cruising along

Conveys a relaxed, leisurely pace of movement.

proceeding steadily

Highlights a consistent, unvarying pace of progress.

advancing gradually

Focuses on the slow, incremental nature of the movement.

making headway

Implies overcoming obstacles and achieving progress.

FAQs

How can I use "slipping along" in a sentence?

"Slipping along" can be used to describe something moving smoothly or progressing without difficulty. For example, "The negotiations are "slipping along" nicely."

What phrases are similar to "slipping along"?

Alternatives include "gliding along", "sliding along", or "drifting along", each conveying a slightly different nuance of smooth movement.

Is "slipping along" formal or informal?

"Slipping along" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal expression, suitable for everyday conversation and writing, but possibly less appropriate for highly formal or academic contexts.

When is it inappropriate to use "slipping along"?

Avoid using "slipping along" if you want to emphasize effort or difficulty. It's best suited for situations where the movement or progress is easy and uncomplicated. Also, avoid using it when describing literal physical "slipping on ice" or other surfaces.