duck down

USAGE SUMMARY

"duck down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the act of crouching down or lowering one's body out of sight, fear, or danger. Example: As the tornado approached, the family quickly ducked down underneath the kitchen table.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I duck down, in time, I think.

The Guardian - Books

I duck down maybe a foot or 14 inches.

The New Yorker

Having them duck down behind privies and into unfinished foundations.

The New York Times

Did Dackell duck down, putting his head directly in the path of Lindros?

The New York Times - Sports

Constantly one has to duck down below the deer browse-line in order to struggle through.

The Guardian

It is usually made of synthetic, water-repellent material, often filled with batting or goose or duck down for warmth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Ducking down, I step inside.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then he ducked down between seat rows.

The New Yorker

He ducked down and almost went into a crablike squat.

The New York Times

And we all ducked down under the parapet.

The Guardian

I ducked down and got the camera ready.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "duck down" when you want to convey a quick or evasive movement to lower one's body, often in response to a perceived threat or to avoid being seen.

Common error

Avoid using "duck down" in formal contexts where a more sophisticated or precise term like "crouch" or "stoop" might be more appropriate. The phrase carries a slightly informal or even comical connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "duck down" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, combining the action of "ducking" (lowering the head or body quickly) with the direction "down". Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "duck down" is a common and generally correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of quickly lowering one's body. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely used in News & Media, Wiki and Encyclopedias, although it may be too informal for academic or business contexts. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize a swift, reactive movement to avoid something or remain unseen. If you are unsure about its use, consider alternatives like "crouch" or "take cover" depending on the formality and specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crouch

A single-word verb emphasizing bending low, often close to the ground.

dip down

Suggests a quick, brief downward movement.

stoop

Implies bending forward and downward, often due to age or habit.

hunker down

Implies settling into a low position for an extended period, often for protection.

bend over

Highlights the act of bending the body at the waist.

get down

A simple command to lower oneself, often for safety.

take cover

Emphasizes seeking protection from danger by lowering oneself.

drop down

Implies a sudden and quick descent to a lower position.

lower yourself

A more general term for reducing one's height or position.

bow

Bending the head or upper body as a sign of respect or greeting.

FAQs

How to use "duck down" in a sentence?

Use "duck down" to describe the action of quickly lowering your body, often to avoid something. For instance, "When the firework exploded, everyone had to duck down quickly."

What can I say instead of "duck down"?

You can use alternatives like "crouch", "stoop", or "take cover" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "duck down" or "ducked down"?

"Duck down" is the base form. "Ducked down" is the past tense. For example, "I duck down when I saw the ball coming". or "I ducked down when I saw the ball coming".

What's the difference between "duck down" and "bend over"?

"Duck down" implies a quick lowering of the body, often in response to a threat or to avoid being seen, while "bend over" suggests a more deliberate action of bending the body at the waist.