slipping through the cracks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slipping through the cracks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has been overlooked or neglected, often unintentionally. Example: "In the busy office, several important tasks were slipping through the cracks, leading to missed deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"No more slipping through the cracks".

The New York Times

The topic of Manning's health seems to be slipping through the cracks.

The New York Times

Doing so reduces delays and prevents people from slipping through the cracks, experts said.

The Washington Post

"This is the very literal definition of slipping through the cracks," Professor Klein said.

The New York Times

"We have to be very careful about who is slipping through the cracks," she said.

The New York Times

That's one person slipping through the cracks and dying every half an hour.

The New York Times

"Too many bad food labels are still slipping through the cracks".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Still, veterans routinely slip through the cracks.

The New York Times

Things can slip through the cracks.

The New York Times

"Something just slipped through the cracks.

The New York Times

Problems slip through the cracks.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. If writing for an audience with limited English proficiency, the idiom can be replaced with an equivalent meaning like 'being overlooked'.

Common error

Avoid using "slipping through the cracks" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. While effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language with synonyms like "being overlooked" or "falling through the gaps" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "slipping through the cracks" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically within a clause or sentence, to indicate a failure of a system or process to adequately address or capture something. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to highlight issues being overlooked or neglected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slipping through the cracks" is a widely used idiom that describes situations where things or people are being overlooked or not adequately addressed by a system. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While its usage is appropriate across different registers, varying your vocabulary with synonyms can enhance your writing. Understanding the nuances of this phrase ensures effective communication and allows you to convey the sense of concern or criticism associated with systemic failures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling through the gaps

This alternative focuses on the image of something failing to fit or be caught by existing structures.

being overlooked

This alternative is a more direct way of saying something is not being noticed or considered.

getting lost in the system

This alternative suggests that something is failing because of a complex or inefficient process.

being neglected

This alternative emphasizes a lack of care or attention.

going unnoticed

This alternative highlights the fact that something is not being observed or recognized.

escaping attention

This suggests something is actively avoiding scrutiny.

evading detection

This implies something is skillfully avoiding being found.

going by the wayside

This alternative indicates something is being abandoned or forgotten.

not being addressed

This phrase focuses on the lack of active attention or solutions.

missing the mark

This suggests a failure to achieve a desired outcome or standard.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "slipping through the cracks"?

When something is "slipping through the cracks", it means it's being missed, overlooked, or not adequately addressed within a system or process. It often implies a failure in a system designed to catch or handle such things.

How can I use "slipping through the cracks" in a sentence?

You can use "slipping through the cracks" to describe people, tasks, or issues that are not being properly taken care of. For example, "Without adequate funding, many vital social programs are "slipping through the cracks"."

What are some alternative ways to say "slipping through the cracks"?

Some alternative phrases you can use instead of "slipping through the cracks" include "falling through the gaps", "being overlooked", or "getting lost in the system". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What causes things to "slip through the cracks"?

Things can "slip through the cracks" due to various factors, such as lack of resources, poor communication, inadequate systems, or simple oversight. Identifying the root cause is crucial to preventing future occurrences.