What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ducking
Example
He was ducking and weaving to avoid the punches. [ducking: gerund or present participle]
Example
The child was ducking behind the couch to hide from his mother. [ducking: verb]
dodging
Example
The player was dodging the defenders with ease. [dodging: gerund or present participle]
Example
She was dodging her boss's questions about the project. [dodging: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dodging is more commonly used than ducking in everyday language. Dodging is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ducking is less common and refers to a more specific physical action.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ducking and dodging?
Both ducking and dodging are informal words that are commonly used in casual conversation and writing.