standards slipped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "standards slipped" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the quality or level of something has decreased or deteriorated. Here is an example sentence: "After the company was bought by a new owner, the once high standards of customer service slipped, resulting in many complaints from unhappy customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Standards slipped.

The Economist

As Evans grew older, his scholarly standards slipped further.

The Economist

A series of academic papers has shown that lending standards slipped farthest when loans were securitised.

The Economist

Lending standards slipped and the borrowers were, on average, far more likely to default on their loans.

The Economist

Also, such a backlog of applications built up at America's patent office (now more than 1m, with a waiting time of around three years) that standards slipped.

The Economist

The 23-year-old's standards slipped as the game went on while Taylor got better and better, eventually overwhelming Van Gerwen in the way that only he can.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Are standards slipping?

The Guardian

I don't mean standards slip.

The Guardian - Music

"Her Majesty is letting her standards slip.

The Guardian - Books

Do you ever let standards slip?

The Guardian - Arts

Michael Gove has let school standards slip.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "standards slipped", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific standards are being referred to, and ideally, provide evidence or examples to support the claim. For example, "After the budget cuts, safety standards slipped, leading to an increase in workplace accidents."

Common error

Avoid using "standards slipped" without specifying which standards you are referencing. Vague statements weaken your argument and leave room for misinterpretation. For example, instead of saying "Since the merger, standards have slipped", specify "Since the merger, customer service standards have slipped, with average response times increasing by 50%."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standards slipped" primarily functions as a statement indicating a decline or deterioration in established benchmarks or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Sport

18%

General

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "standards slipped" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a decline in quality, performance, or adherence to established benchmarks. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is frequently used in news and media, as well as in sports contexts. To enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretation, it is essential to specify which standards are being referenced when using this phrase. While generally neutral, consider using more formal synonyms like "quality declined" or "performance deteriorated" in professional or academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quality declined

Focuses specifically on the reduction in the level of quality.

performance deteriorated

Highlights the worsening of performance levels over time.

expectations lowered

Emphasizes a reduction in what is anticipated or required.

criteria relaxed

Indicates a loosening of the rules or benchmarks for assessment.

levels dropped

Simply states that there has been a decrease in levels.

proficiency waned

Suggests a fading of skill or ability.

excellence faded

Implies a gradual loss of superior quality.

merit diminished

Focuses on the reduction of worth or value.

virtue eroded

Suggests a wearing away of positive attributes.

superiority vanished

Highlights the disappearance of a state of being better than others.

FAQs

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

You can use "standards slipped" to indicate a decline in quality, performance, or adherence to rules. For example, "Due to budget cuts, safety "standards slipped" in the factory."

What's a more formal way to say "standards slipped"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "quality declined" or "performance deteriorated" which offer similar meanings but with a more professional register.

What are some common causes of "standards slipping" in a workplace?

Common causes include inadequate training, budget reductions, lack of oversight, and poor management practices. Addressing these issues can help prevent "standards slipping".

How can I prevent "standards from slipping" in my team?

Implement regular training, provide clear expectations and guidelines, conduct performance reviews, and encourage open communication. Proactive measures can help maintain high "standards slipped" and prevent them from declining.