slither

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slither" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the movement of something that moves smoothly and quietly, often in a winding or twisting manner, typically associated with snakes or similar creatures. Example: "The snake began to slither through the grass, barely making a sound as it moved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He and my father had pitched their tent in the stolen corner of a farmer's lot, and so it was from inside the fence that my brother saw, not 10 feet away from him, the newborn calf slither on to the grass, unfurl its legs, and stand.

The Guardian - Books

He's very smart and articulate and his intensity is interestingly at odds with his laidback appearance – his scruffy jeans and faded San Lorenzo football shirt (Viggo is a huge football fan and the Buenos Aires team was his first love), and the ratty friendship bracelets that slither up and down his arm as he drinks his tea.

The Guardian - Film

They were as full of tiny holes as a sieve, through which the HIV virus, "roughly 450 times smaller than the spermatozoon", as he told the BBC, would slither with no difficulty.

The Economist

The hope is that China's mainland bourses are dragged up to the level of Hong Kong; the fear, that all slither down.

The Economist

AS THE last skaters slither to a halt in Nagano, Utah will step in.

The Economist

Suppliers of wild fish, for their part, must slither into niche markets.

The Economist

But on a rain-soaked pitch (the rule in Babbage's northern England), the sodden leather lump would slither through the muddy grass as if in treacle.

The Economist

Both have written offbeat, tough-minded collections that slither with snakes and snails.

The Economist

For instance, Intel is trying to find ways of making high-performance chips using silicon alloyed with germanium to create a "strained crystal lattice" that allows electrons to slither through much faster than they can squeeze through pure silicon.

The Economist

However, the ability to slither through holes, to swim and to climb trees and rocks, as well as to glide between elevated features of the landscape, is an attractive mixture for designers of robotic vehicles.

The Economist

Mr Obama praised Palestinian non-violent protests but within hours of his departure Israeli police began dismantling a small camp site Palestinians had erected during his visit in an attempt to hold onto E1, a strategic slither of West Bank land east of Jerusalem.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slither" to vividly describe the movement of snakes, eels, or anything moving with a similar smooth, sinuous motion. It adds a sense of realism and detail to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "slither" to describe abstract concepts or situations that don't involve physical movement. Stick to literal applications related to creatures or objects that move in a snake-like fashion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slither" is as an intransitive verb, describing a specific type of movement. Ludwig examples show its use to describe the way a snake or other creature moves along a surface, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slither" is a versatile verb used to describe smooth, winding movement, primarily associated with snakes and similar creatures. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as encyclopedic entries. When using "slither", ensure that the context involves physical movement and avoid overuse in abstract situations. Alternatives like "slide" or "glide" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slide

Focuses on the smooth, continuous movement over a surface.

glide

Emphasizes the effortless and graceful nature of the movement.

creep

Highlights the slow, stealthy, and often subtle manner of moving.

crawl

Indicates a slow movement, typically close to the ground.

worm

Suggests movement similar to a worm, involving wriggling or squirming.

wriggle

Implies a twisting, contorting movement.

squirm

Conveys a restless or uncomfortable twisting movement.

undulate

Describes a wave-like motion.

wind

Focuses on the twisting and turning aspect of movement.

meander

Emphasizes a wandering, indirect path of movement.

FAQs

How can I use "slither" in a sentence?

"Slither" is typically used to describe the movement of snakes or other creatures that move smoothly and sinuously. For example, "The snake began to slither through the undergrowth."

What verbs are similar to "slither"?

Alternatives to "slither" include "slide", "glide", or "crawl", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each carries a slightly different implication of the movement's characteristics.

Is it appropriate to use "slither" to describe human movement?

While primarily used for animals, particularly snakes, "slither" can be used figuratively to describe human movement that is similarly smooth and winding, often suggesting stealth or cunning. Consider the context carefully.

What's the difference between "slither" and "crawl"?

"Slither" specifically implies a smooth, side-to-side or winding motion, typical of snakes. "Crawl" suggests a slower movement on hands and knees, or a similar low-to-the-ground progression. The key difference lies in the type of movement described.