walk the dog

USAGE SUMMARY

"walk the dog" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it if you are referring to taking a dog out for a walk, especially in a casual context. For example, "I need to take a break, so I'm going to walk the dog."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He can walk the dog.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He went to walk the dog.

The New York Times

"I make coffee and I walk the dog".

The New York Times

You should walk the dog, hug a tree".

Independent

He does not walk the dog after dark.

The New York Times

— No. — Do you walk the dog? — No dog.

The New Yorker

"I had to walk the dog three times a day".

The New York Times

They walk the dog and coo at babies on trains.

The Guardian - Opinion

I go biking, walk the dog and drive my car.

The Guardian

I do it when I walk the dog as well.

The Guardian

Don't walk the dog (not even a toy poodle).

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "walk the dog" to add a casual tone. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "exercise the dog" or "take the dog for a walk".

Common error

Avoid using "walk the dog" in technical documents or formal settings where the idiomatic meaning might be unclear. If your audience is not familiar with the phrase, it's better to be explicit with something like "take the dog for a walk".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "walk the dog" is as a verb phrase indicating an action. Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely recognized and used in various contexts. It often serves as the main verb in a sentence, describing the activity of taking a dog for a walk.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

27%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "walk the dog" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of taking a dog for a walk. Ludwig AI confirms it is widely accepted in various writing styles. While predominantly found in news and media and informal contexts, it is less common in formal or scientific writing. When using this phrase, consider your audience and the level of formality required. For more formal settings, you might choose alternatives like "take the dog for a walk" or "exercise the dog". Ultimately, "walk the dog" is a useful and well-understood phrase for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take the dog for a walk

Emphasis on the action of taking the dog.

go for a walk with the dog

Focuses on the shared activity.

exercise the dog

Highlights the purpose of physical activity for the dog.

stroll with the dog

Implies a more leisurely and relaxed pace.

give the dog some exercise

More formal way of describing the act of walking the dog.

take the canine for a stroll

Uses more formal language.

provide the dog with outdoor time

Emphasizes the benefit to the dog.

leash up the dog for an outing

Highlights the preparation for the walk.

amble with the dog

Suggests a slow, unhurried walk.

stretch the dog's legs

Focuses on the physical benefit of the walk.

FAQs

How can I use "walk the dog" in a sentence?

You can use "walk the dog" in a sentence like, "I need to "walk the dog" before it gets dark" or "She makes time each day to "walk the dog" in the park".

What are some alternatives to "walk the dog"?

Some alternatives to "walk the dog" include "take the dog for a walk", "exercise the dog", or "go for a walk with the dog".

Is "walk the dog" formal or informal?

"Walk the dog" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, it's better to use phrases like "take the dog for a walk".

When is it inappropriate to use "walk the dog"?

It may be inappropriate to use "walk the dog" in highly formal or technical writing where clarity is paramount, and the idiomatic meaning may not be universally understood. It can also be confusing if you work in professional yo-yoing, where "walk the dog" is also a trick!