Phrasal verbs "fall down" vs "slip down"

Differences between fall down and slip down

Fall down usually means to drop or descend from a higher position to a lower one, often unintentionally or due to losing balance. On the other hand, slip down refers to sliding or gliding down a surface, often because it's slippery or wet.

Meanings and Definitions: fall down vs slip down

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Fall down

• 1. Fall on the ground.

  I slipped on the ice and FELL DOWN.

• 2. Have a weak point.

  The argument FALLS DOWN when you look at how much it'll cost.

Slip down

• 1. Be enjoyable to drink or eat.

  The cold beer SLIPPED DOWN a treat after the walk.

Usage Examples: fall down, slip down in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

fall down

Example

Be careful not to fall down on the slippery floor.

Example

She often falls down while playing soccer.

slip down

Example

The ice cream slipped down easily on a hot day.

Example

The cold lemonade slips down nicely after a long run.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fall down

tumble down

To fall down suddenly and uncontrollably, often in a clumsy or awkward way.

Example

She lost her balance and tumbled down the stairs, injuring her ankle.

take a spill

To fall down or lose balance, often in a sudden or unexpected way.

Example

He was riding his bike when he hit a rock and took a spill on the pavement.

go down

To move or fall from a higher position to a lower one, often due to gravity or force.

Example

The sun was setting, and the temperature went down quickly.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Slip down

slide down

To move down a surface smoothly and easily, often due to gravity or a slope.

Example

The kids were having fun sliding down the snow-covered hill.

glide down

To move down a surface effortlessly and gracefully, often with a smooth and continuous motion.

Example

The ballerina glided down the stage, impressing the audience with her elegant moves.

skid down

To move down a surface quickly and uncontrollably, often due to lack of friction or traction.

Example

The car hit a patch of ice and skidded down the road, narrowly avoiding a collision.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “fall”

• fall off
• fall into
• fall for
• fall back
• fall through

Phrasal Verbs with “slip”

• slip by
• slip on
• slip off
• slip out
• slip away

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

• go down
• buckle down
• hand down
• let down
• send down

Differences in fall down vs slip down: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: fall down or slip down?

Both fall down and slip down are commonly used in everyday conversation, but fall down is more frequently used. This is because falling down can happen in various situations, while slipping down is more specific to certain surfaces or conditions.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of fall down and slip down

Both fall down and slip down are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, if you need to use them in a formal setting, it's better to choose alternative expressions that sound more polished.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of fall down and slip down

The tone of fall down and slip down can differ based on context. Fall down often carries a more serious tone, especially when referring to accidents or injuries. In contrast, slip down usually has a more lighthearted tone, especially when referring to playful activities like sliding down a water slide.

fall down & slip down: Synonyms and Antonyms

Fall down

Synonyms

• tumble
• topple
• stumble
• collapse
• plunge
• drop
• trip

Antonyms

• rise
• ascend
• climb
• recover
• stand up
• get up

Slip down

Synonyms

• go down smoothly
• go down easily
• be enjoyable to consume
• be pleasant to drink or eat

Antonyms

• be difficult to consume
• be unpleasant to drink or eat
• cause discomfort while consuming