slipping standards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slipping standards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline in quality or performance over time, often in a specific context such as education, work, or personal conduct. Example: "The company's slipping standards in customer service have led to numerous complaints from clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In an era of dumbing-down and slipping standards, he really does stand for something.

The New York Times - Arts

Slipping standards Diary's reverse ferret of the week: "Is it the end of the antiseptic love affair?

The Guardian

Slipping standards Several large companies - including Nestlé, Unilever, Kraft and Tesco - have made commitments to source 100% "certified sustainable palm oil" by 2015.

The Guardian

Some business leaders in the City have strong views on dress code and feel it important to crack down on any slipping standards.

The Guardian - Business

And since UNESCO is supposed to be an unprejudiced protector of the whole world's built and natural environment, such slipping standards are not merely of concern in remote Pacific islands.But take the Galapagos case first.

The Economist

That rival tallies have become public at all dramatizes Mugabe's slipping standards when it comes to pre-electoral manipulation (to never even need to manipulate the results) or total post-election information control (so that only "acceptable" results are announced).

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In Argentina, the game's spiritual home, there has been no such slipping of standards.

Independent

The N.H.L. will address the slipping officiating standards at a conference in August.

The New York Times

They complained of shoddy equipment at the institute's main campus in Hyde Park, N.Y., as well as slipping academic standards.

The New York Times - Food

Could this, as well as slipping school standards, explain the peculiar keenness of people in their 40s?

The Economist

But in the years leading up to the crash, many workers took on more personal debt to maintain their slipping living standards.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "slipping standards", provide specific examples to illustrate the decline. Vague statements lack impact. Be precise in highlighting what aspects are deteriorating and how.

Common error

Avoid using "slipping standards" as a catch-all phrase without providing context. Clearly identify the area where standards are declining, such as "slipping academic standards" or "slipping safety standards", to maintain clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slipping standards" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a situation where previously accepted levels of quality or performance are declining. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase is usable in written English, denoting a decline in quality or performance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slipping standards" is a valid and usable phrase that effectively communicates a decline in quality or performance. Ludwig AI confirms its applicability in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in formal business and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, it's best to provide specific examples to enhance clarity. While generally appropriate, consider more formal alternatives like "declining standards" in certain professional settings. This phrase serves to highlight a negative trend, often implying a need for corrective action. Remember to avoid overgeneralization by specifying the area where standards are declining.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Declining standards

Replaces "slipping" with "declining", emphasizing a gradual decrease in quality or adherence to standards.

Deteriorating standards

Substitutes "slipping" with "deteriorating", highlighting a worsening condition of the standards.

Falling standards

Uses "falling" instead of "slipping", suggesting a more abrupt or rapid decline.

Lowering of standards

Emphasizes the action of making standards less strict or rigorous.

Compromised standards

Focuses on the idea that standards have been weakened or made less effective.

Reduced quality

Shifts the focus from standards to the tangible outcome of diminished quality.

Erosion of standards

Implies a gradual wearing away or weakening of standards over time.

Weakening of criteria

Specifically refers to the criteria or benchmarks becoming less stringent.

Relaxation of norms

Suggests a loosening of established rules or expectations.

Degradation of quality

Highlights the decline in the overall quality or condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "slipping standards" to describe a decline in quality, performance, or adherence to established rules or expectations. For example: "The company's "slipping standards" are affecting customer satisfaction."

What's a formal alternative to "slipping standards"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "declining standards" or "deteriorating standards" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

How does "slipping standards" differ from "raising the bar"?

"Slipping standards" indicates a negative trend of decreasing quality, while "raising the bar" signifies an effort to improve or increase expectations and performance.

Is it always negative to talk about "slipping standards"?

Yes, the phrase ""slipping standards"" inherently carries a negative connotation, implying a decline or degradation in some aspect of quality, performance, or adherence to norms. It suggests that things are not as good as they once were.