What are the definitions of “slip off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave a place discreetly.
It was very boring so we SLIPPED OFF before it finished.
- 2Remove clothes.
I SLIPPED my shoes OFF when I entered.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “slip off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb slip off is to remove clothes, especially in a quick and easy manner. It can also mean leaving a place discreetly, without drawing attention to oneself.
What are the different verb forms of “slip off”?
Root Verb | slip off |
Third Person Singular Present | slips off |
Present Participle | slipping off |
Simple Past | slipped off |
Past Participle | slipped off |
Example
She slipped off her shoes before entering the house.
Example
He slips off his jacket as soon as he gets home.
Example
She is slipping off her sandals at the beach.
Example
He slipped off his coat and hung it up.
Example
The shoes were too big and slipped off her feet.
What kind of phrasal verb is “slip off”?
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 off” 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 off her shoes before entering the house.
Example
They slipped off from the party without saying goodbye.
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 off” 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 off her shoes before entering the house.
Example
They slipped off from the party without saying goodbye.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “slip off”?
Slip off to sleep
Gradually fall asleep, often unintentionally or without realizing it.
Example
After a long day, she slipped off to sleep on the couch.
Slip off the radar
To become unnoticed or forgotten, especially after being in the public eye or receiving attention.
Example
After her hit song, the singer seemed to slip off the radar.
Good things to know
Does “slip off” have an informal or formal tone?
Slip off is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, when discussing clothing or leaving a place discreetly, it is appropriate for both informal and formal situations.