What are the definitions of “duck out of”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Avoid doing something.
He DUCKED OUT OF helping us last night.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “duck out of”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb duck out of is to avoid doing something, especially a responsibility or task. It often implies that someone is trying to escape a situation or commitment.
What are the different verb forms of “duck out of”?
| Root Verb | duck out of |
| Third Person Singular Present | ducks out of |
| Present Participle | ducking out of |
| Simple Past | ducked out of |
| Past Participle | ducked out of |
Example
She always tries to duck out of doing the dishes.
Example
He ducks out of attending meetings whenever he can.
Example
They are ducking out of their responsibilities at work.
Example
Yesterday, she ducked out of helping her friend move.
Example
He had ducked out of many social events in the past.
What kind of phrasal verb is “duck out of”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“duck out of” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She ducked out of the meeting.
Example
He ducked out of his responsibilities.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“duck out of” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She ducked out of the meeting.
Example
He ducked out of his responsibilities.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “duck out of”?
Good things to know
Does “duck out of” have an informal or formal tone?
Duck out of is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not commonly used in formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'avoid' or 'evade' can be used.
