dodging the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dodging the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that someone has sidestepped or avoided answering a direct question. Example: "My boss kept dodging the question about when I would get a raise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It's our way of dodging the question".

The Guardian - Music

"He was often dodging the question," Jacob said.

The New York Times - Sports

Feiffer has found a riveting way of dodging the question.

The New Yorker

"I have not been approached," said Perez, dodging the question.

The Guardian - Business

Instead of dodging the question, Mr. Volpi explained the US West connection.

The New York Times

I honestly don't know," he said, dodging the question with practiced amiability.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

We just kept dodging the questions".

The New York Times

Hollendorfer dodged the question.

The New York Times

He basically dodged the question.

The New York Times

The chancellor dodged the question.

The Economist

Engstrom dodged the question.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dodging the question" when you want to emphasize the act of evasion, not just the lack of a direct answer. It often implies a deliberate choice to avoid being straightforward.

Common error

Avoid using "dodging the question" when someone is simply unable to answer, rather than deliberately avoiding the answer. For example, if someone doesn't know the answer, it's not "dodging the question", but rather a lack of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dodging the question" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a gerund phrase acting as a noun. It describes the act of evading a direct response. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dodging the question" is a common and acceptable way to describe the act of avoiding a direct response. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its prevalence in news and media reflects its relevance in public discourse. While synonyms exist, such as "evading the inquiry" or "avoiding a direct answer", the choice depends on the desired nuance and context. Remember to use the phrase when there's a clear intention to evade, not simply an inability to answer. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "dodging the question" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoiding a direct answer

This is a more explicit and straightforward way of expressing the same idea.

being evasive

This focuses on the characteristic of the response rather than the act of dodging.

deflecting the question

This suggests redirecting the conversation away from the original question.

evading the inquiry

This suggests a more formal or investigative context than the original phrase.

skirting the question

This indicates addressing a topic tangentially without directly engaging with it.

sidestepping the issue

This implies a deliberate maneuver to avoid a topic, not just a question.

dancing around the subject

This implies speaking vaguely about something instead of directly addressing the matter. It’s more figurative.

parrying the question

This conveys a sense of skillful avoidance, like a fencing move.

circumventing the query

This implies using cleverness or deception to avoid answering directly.

giving a non-answer

This focuses on the lack of substance in the response.

FAQs

What does "dodging the question" mean?

The phrase "dodging the question" means avoiding giving a direct answer, typically because the person wants to avoid commitment or revealing information.

What are some synonyms for "dodging the question"?

Similar phrases include "evading the question", "avoiding a direct answer", or "being evasive".

How can I use "dodging the question" in a sentence?

You can say, "The politician was accused of "dodging the question" about his stance on climate change" or "Instead of answering directly, she started "dodging the question" by talking about unrelated topics."

Is there a more formal way to say "dodging the question"?

While "dodging the question" is suitable for many contexts, "evading the inquiry" or "circumventing the query" can sound more formal, especially in legal or official settings.