time slipped away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time slipped away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where time seems to pass quickly or unnoticed, often in a reflective or nostalgic context. Example: "As we sat by the fire, sharing stories, I realized that time slipped away, and before we knew it, it was dawn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

And so time slipped away.

The New York Times

Time slipped away, now more plausible.

The Guardian - Sport

Construction was slow, permits were stubborn, time slipped away.

The New York Times

Time slipped away, and every moment seemed one I wasn't entitled to.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Time slipped away from Barcelona as they launched yet another attack.

The Guardian - Sport

As time slipped away during the final period, Ovechkin sat on the bench, sucked in his cheeks and looked heavenwards.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Time slips away angularly.

The Guardian - Music

"Time slips away from you," she said.

The New York Times

Relish every day, or let time slip away?

The New York Times

Quoting a poem on the subject of the sands of time slipping away, she says, "Shakespeare.

The New Yorker

Our environmental problems loom menacingly as time slips away for humans and animals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context of your writing to ensure that the reflective tone of "time slipped away" is appropriate. It is often used in narratives or personal essays.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses abruptly when using "time slipped away". Ensure the surrounding sentences maintain a consistent past tense to keep the narrative cohesive and avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time slipped away" functions as a clause element, typically serving as the predicate of a sentence or clause. It describes the action of time passing quickly, often unnoticed. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Lifestyle

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time slipped away" is a grammatically sound and evocative expression used to describe the swift and often unnoticed passage of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not exceedingly common, it finds its place in news, sports, and lifestyle contexts, conveying a sense of nostalgia or reflection. Alternatives include "time flew by" and "time passed quickly", but "time slipped away" carries a unique emotional weight, making it a valuable addition to a writer's toolkit. Be mindful of tense consistency and the reflective tone when employing this phrase to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time flew by

Focuses on the speed of time's passage.

time passed quickly

Directly states the rapid passage of time.

time vanished

Emphasizes the disappearance of time.

moments faded

Highlights the gradual disappearance of specific moments.

days dissolved

Implies a gradual fading of days.

time escaped

Suggests that time was lost or irrecoverable.

time ebbed away

Uses a metaphor of receding water to describe time's passage.

the clock ticked away

Focuses on the continuous and unstoppable movement of time.

time marched on

Emphasizes the relentless progression of time, often despite one's wishes.

time dissipated

Suggests time scattered or was wasted.

FAQs

How can I use "time slipped away" in a sentence?

You can use "time slipped away" to describe a period that passed quickly or unnoticed. For example, "As we reminisced about our childhood, "time slipped away", and it was already midnight."

What can I say instead of "time slipped away"?

You can use alternatives like "time flew by", "time passed quickly", or "time vanished" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "time slipped away from me"?

Yes, "time slipped away from me" is grammatically correct and emphasizes a feeling of losing control over time. It's a more personal variation of ""time slipped away"".

What's the difference between "time slipped away" and "time passed"?

"Time passed" is a general statement about the progression of time. "Time slipped away" implies a sense of time passing unnoticed or more quickly than expected, often with a feeling of nostalgia or regret.