Phrasal verb
slip into
Definition
phrasal verb. to put on a piece of clothing quickly and easily, or to gradually start being in a certain state or habit.
phrasal verb. to assume a garment with minimal effort; figuratively, to transition into a state, condition, or routine in a gradual or effortless manner.
Examples
“I'll just slip into something more comfortable before dinner.”
“After working late every night for a month, he began to slip into some very unhealthy eating habits.”
“The novelist describes how the protagonist would slip into a deep melancholy whenever the autumn rains began to fall.”
Examples
simple
“I'll just slip into something more comfortable before dinner.”
contextual
“After working late every night for a month, he began to slip into some very unhealthy eating habits.”
complex
“The novelist describes how the protagonist would slip into a deep melancholy whenever the autumn rains began to fall.”
Usage
takes a direct object, usually a piece of clothing or an abstract noun representing a state of mind or habit.
Teaching tip
highlight the 'smoothness' or 'ease' implied by 'slip'; contrast with 'put on' for clothes or 'become' for states to show the lack of resistance.
Pitfall
He slipped into of his jacket.
He slipped into his jacket.
the preposition 'into' functions as the particle and should not be followed by 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
into
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
slip + into + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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