Phrasal verb
duck down
Definition
phrasal verb. to lower your head or body quickly so that you are not seen or hit by something.
phrasal verb. To lower the head or torso rapidly, typically to evade detection or avoid a physical object. It functions intransitively, describing the movement of the subject rather than an action performed on an object.
Examples
“Duck down so the neighbors don't see you through the window.”
“When the alarm went off, we had to duck down behind the counter until the guards passed by the front door.”
“The soldiers were ordered to duck down as the helicopter swept over the ridge, its searchlight scanning the rocky terrain for any sign of movement.”
Examples
simple
“Duck down so the neighbors don't see you through the window.”
contextual
“When the alarm went off, we had to duck down behind the counter until the guards passed by the front door.”
complex
“The soldiers were ordered to duck down as the helicopter swept over the ridge, its searchlight scanning the rocky terrain for any sign of movement.”
Usage
This phrase is almost always used as an intransitive verb and does not take a direct object.
Teaching tip
Focus on the speed of the action; 'ducking' is a sudden reaction to a threat or a need for concealment, unlike 'crouching' which can be a static pose.
Pitfall
He ducked down his head to avoid the branch.
He ducked his head to avoid the branch.
When using the particle 'down', the verb is intransitive; if you want to mention a body part like 'head', use the simple verb 'duck' without 'down'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
duck + down
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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