slipping back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slipping back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is regressing or returning to a previous state, often in a negative context. Example: "After making significant progress in her studies, she found herself slipping back into old habits of procrastination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But are we slipping back?

The New York Times

I felt myself slipping back, but stopped.

The Guardian - Music

Slipping back into character, he waxed enthusiastic.

The New York Times

"The eurozone risks slipping back into crisis.

The Guardian - Business

I'm now slipping back into this behaviour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But people are slipping back to their old ways.

The New York Times

Take my job?" she asks, slipping back into schtick.

The New York Times - Science

But slowly, the old habits start slipping back.

The Guardian - Money

Nothing less will do' "—before slipping back into himself.

The New Yorker

More people are slipping back illegally across the Indo-Nepal border.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Britain had also been pursuing QE and was slipping back into recession.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully. "Slipping back" often implies a negative connotation, so ensure it aligns with the intended tone.

Common error

Avoid using "slipping back" without specifying what the subject is regressing from. For example, instead of saying "The project is slipping back", specify what aspect is declining, such as "The project is slipping back in terms of meeting deadlines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slipping back" functions as a verb phrase, often used in conjunction with an auxiliary verb (e.g., "is slipping back", "are slipping back") to indicate a process of regression or return to a previous state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slipping back" is a versatile expression used to describe a regression or return to a previous state, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. It frequently appears in News & Media sources, as well as Formal & Business contexts, denoting a potential decline in various aspects, from economic stability to personal habits. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specifying what is being regressed from will strengthen your writing. Alternatives like "regressing" or "reverting" can offer nuanced meanings, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regressing

Focuses on the act of returning to a less developed state.

reverting

Emphasizes a return to a former practice, belief, or condition.

falling back

Suggests a loss of ground or a return to a less advantageous position.

relapsing

Specifically refers to a return to a previous illness or negative behavior.

sliding back

Implies a gradual and often unwanted return to a former state.

backsliding

Highlights a moral or religious regression.

deteriorating

Refers to a decline in quality or condition.

worsening

Indicates an increase in the severity of a situation.

going downhill

Suggests a continuous decline in condition or performance.

taking a turn for the worse

Implies a sudden and negative change in circumstances.

FAQs

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

The phrase "slipping back" is used to describe a regression or return to a previous state or condition, often one that is less desirable. For example, "After a period of economic growth, the country is at risk of "slipping back" into recession".

What are some alternatives to "slipping back"?

You can use alternatives like "regressing", "reverting", or "falling back", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "slipping back" used in formal writing?

Yes, "slipping back" can be used in formal writing, particularly in news and media, as well as business contexts. Its suitability depends on the specific tone and style of the piece.

What does it mean when someone says they are "slipping back" into old habits?

It means they are returning to former behaviors or routines, typically those that are undesirable or that they have been trying to avoid. This could refer to anything from unhealthy eating habits to procrastination.