dodge the task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dodge the task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to avoiding or evading a responsibility or duty. Example: "Instead of addressing the issue directly, he chose to dodge the task and hope it would resolve itself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

On a political level, even his friends are left wondering whether this task force was merely an easy way to dodge the issues until after his re-election.

The New York Times

To dodge the responsibility?

The Guardian - Film

Though adept at dodging their respective wives, they could not dodge the assassin's bullet.

Independent

That answer seems to dodge the question.

The New Yorker

The goal is to dodge the fish.

The New York Times - Arts

You can't dodge the issues.

Independent

Bates could not dodge the question.

The New York Times

CELEBRITIES wear disguises to dodge the paparazzi.

The New York Times

Or we dodge the issue with religion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nigel Swycher has learnt to dodge the brickbats.

The Times

But Clark can't dodge the consequences.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dodge the task", ensure the context clearly indicates an intentional act of avoidance, not simply a failure to complete it. Be specific about why the task is being dodged.

Common error

Avoid using "dodge the task" when the situation involves unintentional oversight or inability to complete the work. Reserve it for scenarios where there's a conscious decision to evade responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dodge the task" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "dodge" acts as the main verb, describing the action of avoiding or evading a specific duty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dodge the task" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe the act of avoiding or evading a responsibility. While Ludwig AI indicates it's usable, its frequency is currently low, suggesting it may not be the most common choice of words. Alternatives such as "avoid the task" or "shirk the task" may be considered depending on the desired nuance. The phrase is generally suitable for neutral contexts, but careful consideration should be given in more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid the task

Replaces "dodge" with "avoid", maintaining a similar meaning of evading responsibility.

evade the task

Substitutes "dodge" with "evade", suggesting a more deliberate attempt to escape the task.

shirk the task

Replaces "dodge" with "shirk", implying a neglect of duty.

sidestep the task

Uses "sidestep" instead of "dodge", suggesting a maneuver to avoid direct engagement.

skirt the task

Employs "skirt" to mean avoiding the core of the task.

escape the task

Focuses on getting away from the task entirely.

bypass the task

Indicates finding a way around the task without addressing it.

avoid responsibility for the task

Expands the phrase to explicitly mention the avoidance of responsibility.

neglect the task

Shifts the focus to a lack of attention or care towards the task.

find a way out of the task

Suggests active seeking of an alternative to completing the task.

FAQs

What does "dodge the task" mean?

"Dodge the task" means to avoid or evade a particular duty or responsibility. It implies a deliberate action to not deal with something that one should be doing.

How can I use "dodge the task" in a sentence?

You can say, "Instead of addressing the problem directly, he chose to "dodge the task" and hoped it would resolve itself." Another example: "The politician attempted to "dodge the task" of answering difficult questions during the interview."

What are some alternatives to "dodge the task"?

You can use alternatives like "avoid the task", "evade the task", or "shirk the task" depending on the context.

Is "dodge the task" a formal or informal expression?

"Dodge the task" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and some formal contexts. However, in very formal writing, it might be preferable to use a more sophisticated alternative like "evade the responsibility" or "sidestep the issue".