What are the definitions of “duck out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To avoid or evade responsibility or obligation, especially in a sneaky or dishonest way.
Yes it's wrong for dads to duck out of paying for their kids.
- 2To leave or exit a place or situation quickly or without being noticed.
You would have thought that a certain event at The Emirates three days earlier was a lesson for those who duck out early.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “duck out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb duck out is to leave or exit a place or situation quickly or without being noticed. It can also mean to avoid or evade responsibility or obligation, especially in a sneaky or dishonest way.
What are the different verb forms of “duck out”?
| Root Verb | duck out |
| Third Person Singular Present | ducks out |
| Present Participle | ducking out |
| Simple Past | ducked out |
| Past Participle | ducked out |
Example
I need to duck out of the meeting early to catch my flight.
Example
She always ducks out of doing the dishes.
Example
He is ducking out of the party before anyone notices.
Example
They ducked out of the room when the boss arrived.
Example
She had ducked out of her responsibilities for too long.
What kind of phrasal verb is “duck out”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“duck out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He ducked out before the meeting ended.
Example
She ducked out when no one was looking.
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” 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
He ducked out before the meeting ended.
Example
She ducked out when no one was looking.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “duck out”?
Good things to know
Does “duck out” have an informal or formal tone?
Duck out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'leave discreetly' or 'avoid responsibility'.
