things will slip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things will slip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that tasks or responsibilities may be forgotten or overlooked, often due to a lack of attention or organization. Example: "With so many projects on my plate, I worry that things will slip if I don't stay organized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Some things will slip.

The New York Times

"Even if something comes out of Camp David," he said, "things will slip backward.

The New York Times

"I wonder if we'll have a similar statement in eighteen months, saying things will slip into CP7?" He fears other budgets will be trimmed within rail.

The Guardian - Business

The idea is simple: only giving employees and managers one chance a year to sit down and talk about what does and doesn't work all but ensures that things will slip through the cracks.

The Guardian

Documents relating to employment relationships are supposed to be purged, but given the huge volume of material that has to be sorted through, it is very likely that things will slip through.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And yet, it's still never enough - things will always slip through.

BBC

With the team now headed on the road to play its National League East rivals, first-place Atlanta and second-place Philadelphia, there was a growing feeling in the clubhouse that if the Mets do not turn things around immediately, the season will slip away — if it has not already.

The New York Times - Sports

If you bombard it with other things to worry about, your ex will slip into the back of your mind.

WikiHow

"If things don't change pretty soon, chances are that the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will slip through our fingers," Ben-Ami writes.

The New York Times

"They will slip up eventually.

Independent

Sandals will slip into newly fabricated stirrups.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things will slip" when you want to acknowledge the possibility of errors or oversights, especially in situations with many details or complex processes. It sets a realistic expectation and encourages proactive measures to mitigate potential problems.

Common error

While it's good to be realistic, don't use "things will slip" as a justification for poor planning or lack of attention. It should be a call to action for better organization and diligence, not a resignation to inevitable failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things will slip" typically functions as a statement acknowledging the potential for errors or oversights in a process or situation. It is often used to set realistic expectations or to highlight the need for vigilance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things will slip" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood way to acknowledge the potential for errors or oversights. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While not extremely frequent, its use is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news and media, to set realistic expectations and encourage proactive measures. Avoid overusing it as an excuse, but embrace it as a reminder for diligence. Related phrases include "errors will occur" and "mistakes will be made". While a neutral phrase, consider more formal alternatives like "errors are likely to occur" for professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

errors will occur

Focuses on the inevitability of mistakes happening.

mistakes will be made

Highlights the action of making errors, suggesting human fallibility.

oversights will happen

Emphasizes the occurrence of unintentional omissions.

standards will decline

Indicates a reduction in the level of quality or performance.

quality will suffer

Focuses on the negative impact on the overall quality of something.

control will be lost

Highlights the loss of authority or ability to manage a situation.

details will be missed

Emphasizes the overlooking of specific elements.

things will go wrong

A broader statement indicating that problems will arise.

efforts will falter

Suggests a weakening or failing of efforts.

progress will stall

Indicates a halt or slowdown in advancement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "things will slip" to sound more formal?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases such as "errors are likely to occur", "oversights are anticipated", or "some details may be missed". These alternatives maintain a similar meaning while conveying a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "things will slip through the cracks"?

Yes, "things will slip through the cracks" is a common and acceptable variation of "things will slip". It emphasizes that some issues or details may be overlooked despite efforts to prevent it.

When is it appropriate to use "things will slip" in writing?

"Things will slip" is appropriate when discussing situations where errors or omissions are likely due to complexity, volume, or human error. It acknowledges potential issues and encourages preventative measures.

What is the difference between "things will slip" and "things will fail"?

"Things will slip" implies that errors or oversights are likely to occur, but not necessarily catastrophic ones. "Things will fail", on the other hand, suggests a more complete or significant breakdown is expected.