What is slip? Pronunciation and usage in English

slip means . Learn how to pronounce and use slip through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of slip

slipverb

/slɪp/
Definition & pronunciation of slip

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "slip" in English. There are a few slightly different ways it's pronounced, but here’s the most common and generally accepted version:

The most common pronunciation is: /slɪp/ (like "slip" in "slip and slide")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • "sl": This is pronounced like the "sl" in "sleep" or "slow." It's a quick, sharp sound.
  • "ip": This is pronounced like the "ip" in "pip" or "tip." It's a short, quick sound.

Putting it together: You say it quickly, almost as if you're connecting the sounds.

Other variations (less common, but you might hear them):

  • /slɪp/ with a slightly more drawn-out "i" sound: Some people, particularly in certain regions, might elongate the "i" a tiny bit. It’s still very quick, though.

Resources to hear it:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Regional accents can affect pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word slip in English

Let's break down how to use the word "slip" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. To Slide or Move Unexpectedly:

  • Meaning: To move unintentionally, often due to a lack of friction or control.
  • Examples:
    • "The ice was slippery, and I almost fell." (Referring to a surface)
    • "The cat slipped off the table." (Referring to an animal)
    • "He slipped on the wet pavement." (A common accident scenario)
    • “The boxer slipped and lost his balance.”

2. To Escape or Avoid:

  • Meaning: To avoid being noticed, caught, or remembered.
  • Examples:
    • "She tried to slip past the security guard unnoticed."
    • "He slipped out of the meeting early."
    • "I slipped away before anyone noticed I was leaving."
    • "The information was designed to slip under the radar.”

3. To Happen or Occur by Chance:

  • Meaning: To occur unexpectedly or casually. Often implies something wasn't planned.
  • Examples:
    • "A slip of the tongue got him into trouble." (Said unintentionally)
    • "I just slipped into a conversation with a famous actor." (Happened casually)
    • "He slipped up and revealed the secret." (Made a mistake)
    • “A slip of the pen caused a huge error in the document.”

4. A Small Piece or Amount:

  • Meaning: A small quantity or portion.
  • Examples:
    • "He needed a slip of paper to write his phone number on."
    • "She gave me a slip of chocolate."
    • “I received a slip of paper with instructions.”

5. (Clothing) To Slide Down:

  • Meaning: To slide down the side of clothing, typically a dress or skirt.
  • Examples:
    • "Her dress slipped off her shoulder."
    • "The skirt slipped down as she sat down."

6. (Informal) To Misspell or Make a Slight Error:

  • Meaning: (Often used informally) – A minor mistake in writing.
  • Examples:
    • “I had a slip of the keyboard and typed the wrong address.”

Phrases Using "Slip":

  • Slip away: To leave secretly. (e.g., “The thief slipped away into the night.”)
  • Slip up: To make a mistake. (e.g., “He slipped up and said something he shouldn’t have.”)
  • Slip one’s mind: To forget something. (e.g., "It slipped my mind to call her.")
  • Slip (something) into: To accidentally include something. (e.g., “He slipped a comment into the conversation.”)

Tips for Using "Slip" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "slip" depends heavily on the context.
  • Pay attention to the verb form: "Slip" can be used as both a verb and a noun.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like “slide,” “escape,” “accidentally,” or “misspell” depending on the meaning you want to convey.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use the word "slip"? (e.g., You're writing a story, you're having a conversation, you're struggling with a specific sentence?)

Synonyms for the word slip

Practice with vocabulary slip

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. A momentary ______ in concentration led to the minor accident.
  2. It's easy to let important deadlines ______ if you don't stay organized.
  3. The sudden gust of wind caused the papers to ______ all over the desk.
  4. Despite careful planning, a crucial ______ was overlooked during the initial review.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following can describe a minor, often accidental, error in speech or action? a) mistake b) oversight c) slip d) blunder

  2. Which verbs suggest a smooth, often unintended, or quick movement, sometimes resulting in a loss of grip? a) slide b) glide c) slip d) drift

  3. When standards or performance gradually decrease or worsen, they might be said to ______. a) decline b) deteriorate c) slip d) plummet

  4. Which of these words refers to a small, flat piece of paper used for a note or receipt? a) ticket b) stub c) shred d) scrap

  5. To fail to notice or understand something important can be described as an ______. a) oversight b) omission c) misconception d) misinterpretation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: During the live broadcast, the presenter accidentally revealed sensitive information. Rewrite using "slip" or a related word form:

  2. Original: The team's adherence to the project deadline has been gradually weakening. Rewrite using "slip" or a related word form:

  3. Original: We failed to include a critical clause in the contract, which could have serious consequences. Rewrite (do not use "slip"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. slip
  2. slip
  3. scatter
  4. detail / aspect / element / point

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) mistake, c) slip
  2. a) slide, c) slip
  3. a) decline, b) deteriorate, c) slip
  4. a) ticket, b) stub, d) scrap
  5. a) oversight, b) omission

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Sensitive information slipped out during the live broadcast.
  2. The team's adherence to the project deadline has begun to slip.
  3. We omitted a critical clause from the contract, which could have serious consequences.

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