dodging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dodging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is avoiding or evading something, such as a question, responsibility, or physical object. Example: "He was dodging the questions during the interview, trying to avoid discussing his past mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

We spent one day submerged 42 feet on a Padi Try-Dive, spotting an octopus about to devour its paralysed prey; another, ascending the 1,716-foot 1,716-footsummitofntain, dodging lizardSage Mountaintrek through its semi-rainforest.

The Guardian - Travel

When the Troubles erupted, Hume was regularly to be seen in the heart of the Derry action, striding through the tear gas or dodging rubber bullets; never afraid to confront the security forces, but always urging peaceful protest.

The Guardian

There was barely a cloud in the sky as I swooped down by Ladybower reservoir and made my way over to Holmfirth, dodging the Last of the Summer Wine tours as I headed for Holme Moss, one of the most feared ascents in Yorkshire, which will feature on this summer's Tour de France.

The Guardian

By 4 February 1965, after King and others had been arrested, Johnson was still dodging press questions on whether he intended to use troops to protect demonstrators in Selma, arguing that anyone concerned with voting rights should use the courts to enforce the Civil Rights Act.

The Guardian - Film

"We were standing up, or more accurately sitting down, against our government making harsh cuts to public services, whilst letting companies … get away with dodging a total of tens of billions of pounds of tax every year.

The Guardian

It's recognised worldwide and is a benchmark for standards in Britain Ed Miliband Tory ministers have even tried to decriminalise dodging the £145.50 licence fee, a move that opponents characterised as the first step towards abolishing the charge altogether, but were blocked in an 11th-hour move by the Lords.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

As for tax-dodging illegal immigrants, they had better watch out.

The Economist

The OECD sees these agreements as the answer to the problem of tax-dodging.

The Economist

Situated 60 miles east of Puerto Rico, the Atlantic to the north and Caribbean Sea to the south, the neighbouring islands' close proximity, constant breeze and protected waters provide some of the best sailing in the world and couldn't be better for beginners, or for winter-dodging.

The Guardian - Travel

Jonathan Chait's comparison ("A Barbour nomination would be the rough equivalent of the Democrats' nominating Howard Dean, if Dean also happened to be a draft-dodging transsexual owner of a vegan food co-op") is both funny and cruel, but it is not wholly inaccurate.

The Economist

The group, which has previously organised sit-ins at Vodafone shops and at upmarket grocer Fortnum & Mason, will be meeting outside St Paul's in London on Saturday morning under the banner "no cuts, no tax-dodging", before joining a TUC march through central London against the government's austerity programme.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about physical actions, use "dodging" to convey quick, evasive movements. For abstract concepts, consider synonyms like "avoiding" or "evading" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "dodging" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary like "circumventing" or "eluding" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Dodging" primarily functions as a verb, often in its present participle form, indicating an ongoing action of avoiding something. It describes the act of moving quickly to evade a physical object or abstract concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dodging" is a versatile verb form commonly used to describe the act of evading or avoiding something, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral register suitable for general communication. When used in formal or academic writing, it's best to consider synonyms to enhance sophistication. The guidance provided helps refine usage, while the FAQ addresses common linguistic inquiries. With highly authoritative sources backing its use, "dodging" remains a strong and effective term to employ.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evading

Focuses more on escaping or avoiding something cleverly or strategically.

avoiding

A general term for keeping away from something or someone.

circumventing

Implies finding a way around obstacles or rules.

skirting

Suggests moving along the edge to avoid direct contact.

evading the issue

Specifically refers to avoiding a topic or question.

side-stepping

Indicates moving to the side to avoid a direct hit or confrontation.

shunning

Emphasizes deliberately avoiding something or someone due to dislike or disapproval.

eluding

Suggests escaping from danger or capture.

ducking

Implies quickly lowering oneself to avoid being hit.

deflecting

Means turning something aside, often a criticism or attack.

FAQs

How to use "dodging" in a sentence?

"Dodging" is often used to describe avoiding something quickly. For example, "He was "dodging the puddle" to keep his shoes dry."

What can I say instead of "dodging"?

You can use alternatives like "avoiding", "evading", or "circumventing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dodging the question" or "avoiding the question"?

Both "dodging the question" and "avoiding the question" are correct, but "dodging" suggests a more active or skillful evasion. Sometimes "evading the question" can also fit in this context.

What's the difference between "dodging" and "fudging"?

"Dodging" implies avoiding something directly, while "fudging" suggests presenting something in a misleading way to avoid the truth.