What are the definitions of “slip into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Put clothes on quickly.
I got out of my suit and SLIPPED INTO my pyjamas.
- 2Acquire bad habits or fall into a bad or negative state or condition.
The economy SLIPPED INTO recession and shows no signs of recovery.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “slip into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb slip into is to put on clothes quickly and easily. It can also mean to acquire bad habits or fall into a negative state or condition.
What are the different verb forms of “slip into”?
| Root Verb | slip into |
| Third Person Singular Present | slips into |
| Present Participle | slipping into |
| Simple Past | slipped into |
| Past Participle | slipped into |
Example
She slipped into her dress before leaving the house.
Example
He slips into his shoes before going outside.
Example
She is slipping into her coat as she leaves the office.
Example
He slipped into his pajamas after a long day at work.
Example
She had slipped into a bad habit of staying up too late.
What kind of phrasal verb is “slip into”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“slip into” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She slipped into her dress before leaving the house.
Example
The economy slipped into recession and shows no signs of recovery.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“slip into” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She slipped into her dress before leaving the house.
Example
The economy slipped into recession and shows no signs of recovery.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “slip into”?
Slip into a conversation
To join a conversation smoothly and without being noticed.
Example
He slipped into the conversation and shared his opinion on the topic.
Slip into a role
To assume a role or position easily and naturally.
Example
She slipped into the role of team leader effortlessly.
Slip into a coma
To fall into a coma, a state of unconsciousness.
Example
After the accident, he slipped into a coma and remained unconscious for several days.
Good things to know
Does “slip into” have an informal or formal tone?
Slip into is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
