duck

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "duck" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts related to the bird, as a verb meaning to lower the head quickly, or in idiomatic expressions. Example: "He had to duck to avoid hitting his head on the doorframe." Alternative expressions include "waterfowl," "quack," and "waddle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

St George's Market in the city centre showcases the quality artisan produce – such as Hannan's beef dry-aged in the world's largest Himalayan salt chamber – that's been inspiring chefs such as Ox's Stephen Toman, who has been exciting British and Irish critics with dishes such as Skeaghanore duck, parsley root, chestnut, coffee and chicory, built on local provenance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has been a bad year for sportsman-door interactions and Stokes got this particular ball rolling in March when his West Indies tour ended with a first-ball duck in his final innings and a furious assault on a locker that left the all-rounder nursing a broken wrist and ruled out of the World Twenty20.

The Guardian - Sport

There's also a selection of French food products, including olive oil and a tasty duck and armagnac pté at £1.54 a pot.

The Guardian - Travel

Put in the hot oven for about 20 minutes before dropping the temperature down to 140C/275F/gas mark 1 for another hour or until the meat falls away from the bone of the duck leg. 4 While the duck is cooking, start to make the pancake dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My friend Ed and I used to argue for hours about the correct order of construction: sauce, duck, spring onions and cucumber (him); or duck, spring onions and cucumber, sauce (me, clearly right as you don't want the sauce soaking into the pancake).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rub the dry mix all over the duck legs and allow them to sit in the fridge overnight or for a few hours before cooking. 2 Preheat the oven 200C/400F/gas mark 6. Pat the duck legs dry with some kitchen roll.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leave to rest for at least 30 minutes. 5 When the duck is ready, allow the duck leg to cool slightly before shredding the meat from the bone with two forks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I still dream about the sultry duck liver mousse with almond biscuits; the 'State Bird' – a quail – grilled into smokiness on its bed of gently pickled, sautéed onions and crowned with Parmesan; the smoked duck ham with umeboshi.

The Guardian - Travel

Aerial circus performers, rollerskaters and puppets – including a bicycle-powered duck – roamed James Street from 6pm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One local, sheltering in Marysville's lake, had to repeatedly duck as the flames blown from the neighbouring school covered the surface of the water in a solid sheet.

The Guardian

We're still winless in MLS against our Cascadia rivals, but now is as good a time as any to beat Seattle and break that duck.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "duck" as a verb, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean to lower quickly or submerge briefly. For example, "He had to duck to avoid the branch" versus "She ducked the apple in caramel".

Common error

Avoid using "duck" in contexts where the meaning could be confused between the bird and the action of lowering your head. Reword for clarity; for example, instead of "The duck was in the water", try "The waterfowl was swimming" if you mean the bird, or "He quickly lowered his head" if you mean the action.

Linguistic Context

The word "duck" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a type of waterfowl. It also serves as a verb, meaning to lower the head or body quickly. Ludwig provides examples showcasing both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "duck" is a versatile term that functions as both a noun and a verb. As Ludwig AI indicates, it commonly appears in news, lifestyle, and sports contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to ensure clarity when using "duck" as a verb to avoid ambiguity with its noun form. Related phrases like "dodge" and "evade" offer alternatives for the verb usage. Given its prevalent use and varied meanings, understanding the context is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duck down

More descriptive and emphasizes the downward movement.

dodge

Implies quickly moving to avoid being hit.

dive

This is similar but less specific regarding quick re-emergence.

plunge

A general verb for going under water.

sidestep

Suggests moving to the side to avoid something.

stoop

Involves bending the body downwards, similar to ducking.

evade

Focuses on avoiding something, differing from the literal 'duck'.

bob

Suggests a quick up-and-down movement, like a "duck" in water.

circumvent

Emphasizes finding a way around something.

dip

Refers to immersing something briefly in liquid.

FAQs

How can I use the word "duck" in a sentence?

The word "duck" can be used as a noun to refer to a type of bird (e.g., "I saw a "duck" at the park") or as a verb meaning to lower your head or body quickly (e.g., "I had to "duck" to avoid the ball").

What are some synonyms for "duck" (the verb)?

Synonyms for "duck" as a verb include "dodge", "evade", "lower", or "stoop", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to 'break one's duck'?

In sports, particularly cricket, 'breaking one's duck' refers to scoring for the first time, especially after a series of scoreless innings or matches. It signifies achieving a breakthrough after a period of difficulty.

What does it mean if something looks like a "duck", swims like a "duck", and quacks like a "duck"?

The saying "If it looks like a "duck", swims like a "duck", and quacks like a "duck", then it probably is a "duck"" is a colloquial expression used to imply that if something has all the characteristics of a particular thing, it is likely that thing, even if it's not explicitly stated.