that slips underneath

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that slips underneath" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that moves or goes beneath another object or surface, often in a subtle or unnoticed manner. Example: "The cat quietly that slips underneath the couch, seeking a warm spot to rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tucked near the back, Viktoria Strohdach was selling a feline toilet seat called Cats of Thrones, a play on the HBO fantasy TV show "Game of Thrones". The Cats of Thrones is actually a training method that uses a series of kitty toilet seats that slip underneath the human version.

Los Angeles Times

As that slips, the machine is creaking.

The Economist

Get black loafers that slip on.

WikiHow

But the ball hits him on the back, slips underneath his jumper, and ends up trapped next to his shirt.

The Guardian - Sport

Then the male slips underneath the female and carries her around on his back for a long time.

WikiHow

Federal regulations require that fences abutting public lands have a smooth underside to allow wildlife to slip underneath.

The New York Times

Just last month Organ Pipe completed a vehicle barrier that is supposed to stop cars but allow the endangered Sonoran pronghorn, a type of antelope, to slip underneath.

The Economist

Roberto, the Olympiakos goalkeeper, made a hash of things when he allowed the ball to slip underneath him.

The Guardian - Sport

The set, as simple as it was, was extraordinary, complete with "secret" openings to slip underneath the stage.

Huffington Post

That deadline slipped.

The Washington Post

That already slipped, obviously.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that slips underneath" to vividly describe something moving into a concealed or lower position, especially where the movement is subtle or effortless. For example, 'The information that slips underneath the radar often proves most critical.'

Common error

Avoid using "that slips underneath" when simply indicating a general lower position. "Below" is more appropriate for static relationships without implied movement. For example, say 'the text below the image' rather than 'the text that slips underneath the image'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that slips underneath" typically functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by providing additional information about its movement or position. It describes something going or being located beneath another object or surface. Ludwig's examples demonstrate usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

35%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that slips underneath" is a grammatically correct relative clause that effectively describes the subtle movement or positioning of something below another object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it’s crucial to consider the context; in static situations, alternatives like "that is below" might be more appropriate. Its usage spans news, general reference, and science, reflecting a neutral register. Though examples are not very common, understanding its function and purpose can enrich your descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that slides beneath

Replaces 'slips' with 'slides', implying a smoother movement.

that moves under

Uses a more general verb 'moves' instead of 'slips', reducing specificity.

that goes underneath

Employs 'goes' for 'slips', offering a less descriptive alternative.

that is positioned below

Rephrases the action as a state of being, using 'positioned' instead of a dynamic verb.

that is located beneath

Similar to 'positioned below', emphasizing location rather than movement.

which passes underneath

Changes 'that' to 'which' and replaces 'slips' with 'passes', adding a sense of clearance.

that sneaks under

Replaces 'slips' with 'sneaks', adding an element of stealth or secrecy.

that is concealed under

Focuses on the hidden aspect, using 'concealed' to replace 'slips'.

that is tucked underneath

Highlights the act of carefully placing something underneath.

that nestles below

Uses a more evocative verb 'nestles', suggesting a cozy or secure placement.

FAQs

How can I use "that slips underneath" in a sentence?

You can use "that slips underneath" to describe a subtle movement or placement below something. For instance, "The key piece of evidence was the detail that slips underneath the investigator's attention".

What are some alternatives to "that slips underneath"?

Alternatives include "that slides beneath", "that moves under", or "that goes underneath", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "that slips underneath"?

While grammatically correct, "that slips underneath" might be less appropriate in formal contexts where a more direct term like "that is below" is preferred for clarity.

What's the difference between "that slips underneath" and "that is hidden below"?

"That slips underneath" implies a movement or action of going beneath, while "that is hidden below" simply states a state of being concealed in a lower position.