What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
duck
Example
The duck swam gracefully in the pond. [duck: noun]
Example
I had to duck to avoid hitting my head on the low ceiling. [duck: verb]
mallard
Example
The mallard is a common sight at the park's pond. [mallard: noun]
Example
He went hunting for mallards in the marshes. [mallards: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Duck is a more commonly used word than mallard in everyday language. Duck is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while mallard is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between duck and mallard?
Both duck and mallard are generally informal words. However, mallard may be used in more formal contexts, such as scientific or academic writing, while duck is more commonly used in casual conversation.