slipping away

USAGE SUMMARY

'slipping away' is a correct and commonly used part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but generally refers to something gradually disappearing or becoming difficult to grasp or hold onto. For example: - The sand was slipping away from my fingers as I tried to build a sandcastle. - As the days went by, I could feel my childhood slipping away. - The lead in the race was slipping away from the runner as she grew tired. - The opportunity to buy the house of our dreams was slipping away from us as the bidding war intensified. - Despite our best efforts, the chance of finding a compromise was slipping away in the heated debate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

slipping away . . .

The New Yorker

Time is slipping away.

The Guardian - Sport

He was slipping away".

The New York Times - Books

"I'm slipping away," he said.

The New Yorker

But power was slipping away.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other Republicans were slipping away.

The New Yorker

"It was slipping away".

The New York Times - Sports

"Shrimpers are just slipping away," he says.

The Economist

Their season is close to slipping away.

The New York Times - Sports

Because we could feel it slipping away?

The New Yorker

The day starts slipping away behind you.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slipping away" to convey a sense of gradual loss or decline, whether it's a tangible object, an abstract concept, or a personal attribute.

Common error

Avoid using "slipping away" to describe sudden or abrupt disappearances; reserve it for situations where the loss or decline is a slow, progressive process.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slipping away" is that of a phrasal verb. It is commonly used to describe a gradual process of disappearing, diminishing, or losing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slipping away" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a gradual decline or disappearance, often used to convey a sense of loss or regret. It is considered grammatically correct and very common in written English, particularly in the News & Media context. According to Ludwig AI, "slipping away" is widely accepted. When using the phrase, remember to reserve it for gradual processes rather than sudden disappearances. Alternatives include "fading away", "vanishing slowly", and "ebbing away", depending on the specific nuance you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fading away

Focuses on the gradual disappearance or weakening of something, similar to "slipping away" but emphasizes the loss of clarity or intensity.

disappearing gradually

Highlights the process of vanishing over time, emphasizing the slow and progressive nature of the disappearance.

vanishing slowly

Similar to disappearing gradually, but with a slight emphasis on the imperceptible nature of the disappearance.

ebbing away

Evokes a sense of receding or diminishing, often used in the context of emotions, strength, or tides.

dwindling down

Suggests a reduction in quantity or size, implying a gradual decrease to a smaller amount.

dissipating gradually

Highlights the process of scattering or dissolving over time, emphasizing the loss of cohesion or form.

receding slowly

Focuses on the movement away or back from a certain point, implying a gradual retreat or decline.

petering out

Indicates a gradual decline to nothing, suggesting a slow and uneventful end.

dissolving gradually

Emphasizes the breakdown or disintegration of something over time, highlighting the loss of structure or form.

fading into oblivion

Focuses on the process of disappearing completely, suggesting a loss of memory or recognition.

FAQs

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

You can use "slipping away" to describe something gradually disappearing, like "My youth is "slipping away"" or "The opportunity is "slipping away"".

What does "slipping away" mean?

"Slipping away" means gradually disappearing, declining, or being lost. It suggests a slow and often imperceptible process of something vanishing.

What are some synonyms for "slipping away"?

Some synonyms for "slipping away" include "fading away", "vanishing slowly", and "ebbing away". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How is "slipping away" different from "disappearing"?

"Slipping away" implies a gradual and often subtle disappearance, while "disappearing" can refer to a more sudden or complete vanishing. "Slipping away" suggests a loss over time.