What are the definitions of “slip off to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Go somewhere discreetly.
We SLIPPED OFF TO the pub.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “slip off to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb slip off to is to go somewhere discreetly or secretly, often to avoid being noticed or to escape from a situation. It is used when someone wants to leave a place without drawing attention to themselves.
What are the different verb forms of “slip off to”?
| Root Verb | slip off to |
| Third Person Singular Present | slips off to |
| Present Participle | slipping off to |
| Simple Past | slipped off to |
| Past Participle | slipped off to |
Example
After the meeting, they slipped off to a nearby café for a break.
Example
She often slips off to the library during lunchtime.
Example
He is slipping off to the store to buy some snacks.
Example
Yesterday, they slipped off to the movies without telling anyone.
Example
He had slipped off to the restroom during the presentation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “slip off to”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“slip off to” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She slipped off to the store without anyone noticing.
Example
He slipped off to the bathroom during the party.
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 to” 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 to the store without anyone noticing.
Example
He slipped off to the bathroom during the party.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “slip off to”?
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 to a quiet place
Go to a place where one can be alone or have some privacy.
Example
He slipped off to a quiet corner to make a phone call.
Slip off to avoid someone
Leave a place discreetly to avoid meeting or interacting with someone.
Example
She slipped off to the other room when she saw her ex-boyfriend arrive.
Good things to know
Does “slip off to” have an informal or formal tone?
Slip off to is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may not be suitable for very formal settings or writing, where alternatives like 'leave discreetly' or 'depart quietly' might be more appropriate.
