Phrasal verb
slip in
Definition
phrasal verb. to include something quickly or secretly, often in a conversation or a piece of writing.
phrasal verb. to insert a comment, idea, or physical object into a sequence or space, typically in a subtle or unobtrusive manner. The verb functions transitively in this sense.
Examples
“He managed to slip in a joke during his serious speech.”
“I tried to slip in a mention of my promotion while we were discussing the new budget.”
“The author skillfully managed to slip in several clues about the killer's identity without alerting the casual reader to the impending plot twist.”
Examples
simple
“He managed to slip in a joke during his serious speech.”
contextual
“I tried to slip in a mention of my promotion while we were discussing the new budget.”
complex
“The author skillfully managed to slip in several clues about the killer's identity without alerting the casual reader to the impending plot twist.”
Usage
often used when the speaker wants to add something without making it the main focus of attention.
Teaching tip
distinguish between the transitive sense (to insert something) and the intransitive sense (to enter a room quietly); this entry focuses on the transitive 'insertion' meaning.
Pitfall
He slipped in it during the talk.
He slipped it in during the talk.
when the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle 'in'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
optional
Pattern
slip + object + in
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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