dodging obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

"dodging obstacles" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where someone is avoiding difficulties or challenges. Example: "She was adept at dodging obstacles in her career." Alternative expressions include "avoiding hurdles," "navigating challenges," and "bypassing difficulties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Sledding, that quintessential snow-day sport, typically involves dodging obstacles.

The New York Times - Travel

"Because of the nature of trail running you're always changing your stride and motion, dodging obstacles.

The Guardian - Travel

But these days, it is more a case of dodging obstacles: advertising windows pop up all over the screen.

The Economist

The races, with riders dodging obstacles under canopies of dense trees, are not tailor made for television.

The New York Times - Sports

Leaping, sliding and dodging obstacles while earning or buying costumes and power-ups proved hugely popular among children and adults alike.

The Guardian - Tech

The new research tested a 40-year-old hypothesis that the two-legged theropod dinosaurs ‑ the ancestors of birds ‑ used their tails as stabilizers while running or dodging obstacles or predators.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Drone that can dodge obstacles developed by US scientists.

Stanford University

He has dodged obstacles, braved the flak, and kept his eye on his goals.

The Economist

One eight-year-old built a toy car with proximity sensors to autonomously dodge obstacles in the room.

The Guardian - Tech

CSAIL researchers have developed a new navigation method that allows drones to process less data, have faster reaction times, and dodge obstacles without creating a map of the environment they're in, writes James Vincent of The Verge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's just as manic, too, with your device's gyroscope and accelerometer each being used to the full as you frantically prod at your touchscreen to leap and dodge obstacles.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In metaphorical contexts, use this phrase to highlight a person's resourcefulness in dealing with a series of rapidly appearing problems.

Common error

Writers often use "dodging obstacles" when they actually mean "overcoming obstacles". To 'dodge' is to avoid contact entirely, whereas to 'overcome' implies facing the obstacle and successfully moving past or through it. Ensure you choose the word that reflects whether the subject is evading or resolving the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dodging obstacles" functions as a gerund-participle phrase. It can act as a noun (e.g., "Dodging obstacles is part of the game") or as a participial modifier (e.g., "He ran through the course, dodging obstacles"). Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, showing it used both to describe physical maneuvers in sports and abstract navigation in business or technology.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki & Instructional

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dodging obstacles" is a correct and highly effective English expression used to describe the agile avoidance of impediments. Ludwig AI indicates that it is particularly common in contexts involving physical activity, technology (such as drone navigation) and metaphorical problem-solving in business or politics. With a high frequency of usage in top-tier publications like The New York Times and The Guardian, it is a reliable choice for both neutral and professional writing. Unlike more passive terms like "avoiding difficulties", this phrase specifically emphasizes the active and reactive nature of the movement or strategy employed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoiding hurdles

Shifts focus from quick evasion to staying clear of specific difficulties or administrative steps.

bypassing barriers

Suggests finding a way around a fixed or static obstruction rather than a dynamic one.

sidestepping difficulties

A more figurative alternative often used in social, political or interpersonal contexts.

navigating challenges

Implies a more deliberate and strategic process of working through complex situations.

circumventing impediments

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe the act of going around a restriction.

evading pitfalls

Specific to avoiding hidden dangers or common mistakes in a process.

weaving through traffic

A highly literal and specific physical application of the dodging concept.

steering clear of hazards

Emphasizes safety and the precautionary aspect of avoidance.

outmaneuvering complications

Suggests a higher level of skill or competitive strategy in handling issues.

skirting around issues

Often carries a slightly negative connotation of avoiding a direct confrontation.

FAQs

How do I use "dodging obstacles" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe physical activity or problem-solving, for example: "The athlete was expert at dodging obstacles on the field" or "The startup spent its first year dodging obstacles related to regulation".

What can I say instead of "dodging obstacles"?

Depending on your context, you might use alternatives like "avoiding hurdles", "navigating challenges" or "evading pitfalls".

Is "dodging obstacles" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, it is widely accepted. As seen in Ludwig, it appears in reputable sources like The Economist and The New York Times, as well as academic contexts from Berkeley and MIT.

What is the difference between "dodging obstacles" and "sidestepping obstacles"?

While very similar, "dodging obstacles" implies a more active, energetic movement, whereas "sidestepping obstacles" often suggests a more subtle or political avoidance of a topic or requirement.