What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dodge
Example
He managed to dodge the ball just in time. [dodge: verb]
Example
The politician tried to dodge the question by changing the subject. [dodge: verb]
Example
She had to dodge the falling debris during the earthquake. [dodge: verb]
duck
Example
She had to duck to avoid hitting her head on the low ceiling. [duck: verb]
Example
He ducked behind the wall to avoid being seen. [duck: verb]
Example
We saw a group of ducks swimming in the pond. [ducks: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Duck is more commonly used than dodge in everyday language. Duck is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dodge is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dodge and duck?
Both dodge and duck are informal words, but dodge can be used in more formal contexts when referring to avoiding a question or responsibility.
