to dodge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to dodge" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to avoiding something, such as a question, responsibility, or physical object. Example: He tried to dodge the question during the interview. Alternative expressions include "to evade" and "to avoid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To dodge the responsibility?

The Guardian - Film

That answer seems to dodge the question.

The New Yorker

The goal is to dodge the fish.

The New York Times - Arts

CELEBRITIES wear disguises to dodge the paparazzi.

The New York Times

Now it was Odinga's turn to dodge.

The New Yorker

"You know I'm going to dodge it".

Independent

I'd have to dodge all the time.

The New York Times - Arts

I know how to dodge bullets.

The Guardian

She's trying to dodge the third debate".

The New York Times

Others aim to dodge a slowing economy.

The New York Times

He had swerved to dodge a car.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to dodge", consider whether a physical action or a figurative avoidance is intended to ensure the most appropriate word choice. If you mean physically sidestepping something, "duck" or "weave" might be more descriptive. If you mean avoiding a responsibility, "evade" or "shirk" could be more accurate.

Common error

While "to dodge" and "to avoid" can be similar, "to dodge" often implies a more active or skillful maneuver to evade something, whereas "to avoid" can be passive. Consider the context: "to avoid" might be used for general prevention, but "to dodge" is better for actively evading a specific threat or problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to dodge" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase. It indicates an action of evading or avoiding something, whether physically or figuratively. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it often appears with a direct object, such as "to dodge bullets" or "to dodge a question".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to dodge" is a versatile infinitive phrase widely used to describe the action of evading or avoiding something, whether physically or figuratively. According to Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically correct, and it commonly appears in news and general writing. While similar to "to avoid", "to dodge" often suggests a more active and skillful maneuver. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the intention of active evasion, and consider alternatives like "to evade" or "to sidestep" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to avoid

A general term for keeping away from something.

to evade

Focuses on escaping or avoiding something cleverly or strategically.

to elude

Highlights the difficulty in being caught or found.

to sidestep

Indicates moving to the side to avoid something, often figuratively.

to duck

Suggests a quick, physical movement to avoid being hit.

to circumvent

Implies finding a way around an obstacle or rule.

to bypass

Indicates going around or circumventing something.

to shun

Suggests deliberately avoiding someone or something.

to prevent

Implies taking action to stop something from happening.

to flee

Emphasizes running away from danger or something unpleasant.

FAQs

How can I use "to dodge" in a sentence?

You can use "to dodge" in a sentence when you want to express the act of avoiding something quickly or skillfully, either physically or metaphorically. For example: "He had to "to dodge" the oncoming traffic" or "The politician tried "to dodge" the difficult question".

What can I say instead of "to dodge"?

You can use alternatives like "to evade", "to avoid", "to duck", or "to sidestep" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to dodge" or "to evade"?

Both ""to dodge"" and "to evade" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "To dodge" often implies a quick, physical movement or a clever trick, while "to evade" suggests a more strategic or prolonged effort to avoid something.

What's the difference between "to dodge" and "to avoid"?

"To dodge" typically suggests a more immediate and active movement to evade something specific, like a punch or a question. "To avoid", on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses keeping away from something in general, such as "to avoid certain foods".