Card vs Slip

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Card

Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun

Slip

Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
 CardSlip
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/kɑːd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kɑːrd/"]/🇬🇧 /["/slɪp/","/slɪps/","/slɪpt/","/ˈslɪpɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/slɪp/","/slɪps/","/slɪpt/","/ˈslɪpɪŋ/"]/
MeaningA small piece of thick paper with information or used for games.to slide or fall unintentionally
ExampleShe received a birthday card in the mail.Be careful not to slip on the wet floor.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR levelA1B2
Part of speechnounverb
Collocationsgreeting, greetings, birthday, give somebody, send somebody, sign, greeting, greetings, birthday, give somebody, send somebody, sign, ID, identity, membership, hand somebody, hand out, scan, catalogue, reader, on a/​the card, ID, identity, membership, hand somebody, hand out, scan, catalogue, reader, on a/​the card, ID, identity, membership, hand somebody, hand out, scan, catalogue, reader, on a/​the card, plastic, ATM, cash, pay by, put something on, use, number, holder, company, playing, winning, court, deck, pack, hand, cut, deal, shuffle, game, player, playing, game, play, lose at, win at, graphics, memory, network, install, slotslip on ice, slip through the cracks, slip of the tongue, slip into a conversation, slip someone's mind
Antonymsdisorder, chaosgrip, hold, steady
Common mistakesConfusing with 'cards' when referring to multiple., Using 'card' as a verb incorrectly in some contexts., Misunderstanding the different types of cards like ID cards and credit cards.Confused with 'sneak' — they have different meanings., Using 'slip' as a transitive verb incorrectly., Mixing up 'slip' with 'trip' — they refer to different actions.
Usage notesUsed in various contexts such as greeting cards, playing cards, or business cards. It is appropriate to use in both casual and formal situations.Use 'slip' when referring to losing your grip or control, often in physical contexts. It's suitable in both casual and formal situations, but avoid using it in overly serious contexts unless it’s metaphorical.

See it in real clips

Card
Slip

Frequently asked questions: Card vs Slip

What's the difference between Card and Slip?

Card: A small piece of thick paper with information or used for games. Slip: to slide or fall unintentionally

Which is more advanced: Card and Slip?

Slip is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Card and Slip the same CEFR level?

Card: A1, Slip: B2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Card and Slip?

Card: noun, Slip: verb.

Can you show an example of each?

Card: She received a birthday card in the mail. Slip: Be careful not to slip on the wet floor.

Can I use Card and Slip interchangeably?

Not always. Card and Slip are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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