What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
avoiding
Example
He is avoiding his ex-girlfriend because he doesn't want to see her. [avoiding: verb]
Example
She has been avoiding doing her homework all week. [avoiding: gerund or present participle]
shirking
Example
He is shirking his responsibilities by not showing up to work. [shirking: verb]
Example
She has been shirking her duties as team captain by not attending practices. [shirking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Avoiding is more commonly used than shirking in everyday language. Avoiding is a versatile word that can be used in different situations, while shirking is less common and has a more specific usage related to work or responsibility.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between avoiding and shirking?
Both avoiding and shirking can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, shirking may have a slightly more negative and informal connotation due to its association with laziness or irresponsibility.
