ducking

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ducking" is a correctly spelled and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a verb or an adjective. As a verb, it means to move quickly or to evade or avoid. For example, "The boy ducked under the fence in order to escape the pursuing guard." As an adjective, it means crouching down or bent over. For example, "The man had a ducking posture as he hid behind the tree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the other, he just looks a total tool when he accuses politicians and the media of obfuscating and ducking questions when he then does precisely the same, and with added bully-boy petulant aggression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

executive director, Richard Lloyd, said: "This ruling shows that airlines cannot avoid ducking their responsibilities by claiming that routine technical problems are extraordinary circumstances.

The Guardian - Money

But you have to understand, it's cut-throat out there - it's Pirates of the Caribbean, it's Rollerball, it's Indiana Jones ducking a gigantic concrete boulder at the last instant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, at a United Nations climate change conference in Germany, environment groups believe Australia has embarrassed itself by ducking questions.

The Guardian

Only Mr Mandela could lead the blacks into talks with the government.On February 11th the myth stepped outside his prison gate and walked a few steps before ducking into a car to escape the shouts of the world's press.

The Economist

WHEN Saxby Chambliss, Georgia's senior senator, announced last January that he would not seek re-election, some speculated that he was ducking a tough and potentially embarrassing primary.

The Economist

Trains race between dense cities and remote regions at high speeds, often ducking under tunnels along the way.

The Economist

Instead, it seems to be encouraging the whisper that its reason for ducking out of the court case was to avoid jeopardising the intelligence sources that had aroused its suspicions.

The Economist

So far, they will find, it is ducking the issue.Young at heartIn this section Speak softly and carry a big chainsaw Saving the euro Confidence game Scrap the cap Leave well alone The Japan syndrome ReprintsMany in Japan shrug off the problem of ageing.

The Economist

Ducking insurance claims related to such a vast tragedy could really backfire on America's favourite investor.

The Economist

After ducking the question several times, Mr Lay eventually talks about such miscues as the firm's botched entry into the Californian retail market for electricity and a costly blunder involving North Sea gas some years ago.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ducking" to describe physical movement, ensure the context makes the direction (usually downwards or inwards) clear. For abstract uses (e.g. "ducking responsibility"), maintain consistency in tone.

Common error

Avoid using "ducking" in formal contexts where a more neutral term like "avoiding" or "evading" would be more appropriate. "Ducking" can sometimes imply a lack of courage or integrity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ducking" is as a verb, often in its present participle form. It describes the action of quickly lowering the head or body to avoid something, or metaphorically, avoiding a question or responsibility. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its versatile use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "ducking" functions primarily as a verb, denoting the act of quickly lowering oneself or evading something, physically or metaphorically. With a neutral register, its appropriateness varies by context, leaning towards informality in certain situations. Ludwig AI validates the grammatical correctness and common usage, highlighting its prevalence in news and media sources. When writing, be mindful of the connotation, as "ducking" can sometimes imply evasion or a lack of forthrightness. Alternatives like "avoiding" or "evading" may be more suitable in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evading

Focuses on avoiding something, often with a sense of cunning or skill.

dodging

Implies a quick, evasive movement to avoid something.

avoiding

A more general term for keeping away from something.

evading the issue

Specifically refers to avoiding a topic or question.

shirking responsibility

Highlights avoiding a duty or obligation.

skirting the question

Suggests avoiding a direct answer or engagement.

bobbing

Describes a quick up-and-down movement, similar to ducking in some contexts.

crouching

Implies lowering the body to the ground, similar to ducking for cover.

stooping

Bending forward and down, similar to ducking but often less sudden.

dip

Moving something quickly downward, similar to ducking an object

FAQs

How is "ducking" used in a sentence?

"Ducking" can describe a physical action like in, "He was "ducking" to avoid the ball", or a metaphorical avoidance as in, "The politician was "ducking" questions about the scandal".

What are some synonyms for "ducking" when it means avoiding something?

Alternatives include "evading", "dodging", "avoiding", or "skirting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "ducking"?

While grammatically correct, "ducking" might be inappropriate in formal or serious contexts where a more neutral term is required. For example, using "avoiding" or "evading" may be more suitable in formal writing.

What's the difference between "ducking" and "avoiding"?

"Ducking" often implies a quick or sudden movement to evade something, while "avoiding" is a more general term for keeping away from something. "Ducking" can also suggest a sense of culpability or lack of forthrightness.