slope out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slope out" is an informal idiom that does not belong in formal written English.
It is usually used to mean "leave" or "depart," as in "I'm gonna slope outta here before it gets too crowded."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Hares and foxes are common on the trail, as are partridges (at least in the spring, before shooting season begins) and scorpions and several different snakes will occasionally slope out from the undergrowth.

The Guardian - Travel

Sometimes I used to slope out and a producer would tell me off.

The Guardian - Books

ON THE Atlantic coast of Gabon, white sand beaches slope out into the ocean.

The Economist

Outside r approximately equals 1 pc, NGC 3603 plummets to zero density, at least for its massive stars, while 30 Dor continues to decrease with similar power-law slope out to r approximately equals 130 pc.

Harvard University

In its alignment with the land and the sea, the Totten Glacier is similar to the West Antarctic glaciers, which also feature ice shelves that slope out from the vast sheet of ice on land and extend into the water.

The Washington Post

"If anyone in the food industry ever doubted there was a slippery slope out there," Mudd said, "I imagine they are beginning to experience a distinct sliding sensation right about now".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He's totally charming as he slopes out to greet the crowd, his Yorkshire tones bouncing around the boomtown skyscrapers.

The Guardian

Does Nicolas Almagro, that indefatigable clay-court grinder, like nothing better than sloping out to the Wimbledon press balcony to have a cigarette in peace?

The Guardian - Sport

The house of John Mulcahy, an in ventive Irish‐American millionaire, stands on the windswept shore of County Kerry where the westernmost fringe of Europe slopes out from Ireland toward the distant United States.

The New York Times

by Sharon Levy From Dove Cottage, I sloped out through the side gate and climbed the corpse road past the coffin stone, then curved through a mixed copse to a scree path scored by rainwater into the hill's back.

The New Yorker

From Dove Cottage, I sloped out through the side gate and climbed the corpse road past the coffin stone, then curved through a mixed copse to a scree path scored by rainwater into the hill's back.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slope out" in informal writing or speech when you want to convey a sense of casual or slightly surreptitious departure. Avoid it in formal contexts where more precise language is required.

Common error

Avoid using "slope out" in professional emails, academic papers, or other formal documents. It is best reserved for casual conversations or informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "slope out" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating an action performed by the subject. Ludwig examples show its use in describing someone leaving a place or situation, often in a casual or surreptitious manner.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slope out" is an informal phrasal verb that means to leave or depart, often in a casual or discreet manner. Ludwig AI highlights that it's not typically suitable for formal written English. While acceptable in informal contexts, more precise alternatives like "leave" or "slip away" are recommended for formal writing. The phrase sees the most frequent use in news and media contexts and is relatively uncommon overall. It is advisable to keep the register in mind when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slide out

Similar to "slope out", emphasizing a smooth, effortless departure.

sneak out

Suggests leaving secretly, often to avoid detection.

slip away

Implies leaving quietly and discreetly.

edge out

Implies a gradual or subtle movement out of a situation.

leave

A general term for departing, lacking the specific sense of informality or stealth.

drift away

Suggests a slow, passive departure.

exit

A more formal term for leaving a place.

bow out

Implies a deliberate and often ceremonial withdrawal.

depart

A formal term for leaving, often used in official contexts.

retire

A formal term for withdrawing from a position or activity.

FAQs

What does "slope out" mean?

The phrase "slope out" generally means to leave or depart, often in a casual or unobtrusive manner. It suggests a subtle or gradual exit.

Is "slope out" formal or informal?

It is considered an informal expression and is more appropriate for casual conversations than formal writing.

Can I use a more formal alternative to "slope out"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "leave", "exit", or "depart".

How can I use "slope out" in a sentence?

You might say, "I'm going to slope out before the meeting ends", meaning you intend to leave before the meeting concludes.