Differences between knock down and knock over
The main difference between knock down and knock over is the direction of the movement. Knock down means to cause something to fall to the ground or floor, while knock over means to cause something to fall from an upright position to a horizontal one.
Meanings and Definitions: knock down vs knock over
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Knock down
- 1Demolish.
They KNOCKED DOWN the old church and built a block of flats in its place.
- 2Hit and injure someone.
The car KNOCKED her DOWN and she broke her arm.
Knock over
- 1To hit and cause to fall or overturn.
Over 100 people are knocked over on Britain’s roads every day.
- 2To cause something to fall over or be knocked down.
`But Hugh Hunt its working with the Russians, and they are planning to knock over the Carlyle Museum, right?
Usage Examples: knock down, knock over in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
knock down
Example
The construction crew will knock down the old building.
Example
He knocks down the old fence to make room for a new one.
knock over
Example
Be careful not to knock over the vase while cleaning.
Example
He always knocks over his water glass at dinner.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Knock down
bring down
To cause something to fall from a higher position to a lower one.
Example
The demolition crew used explosives to bring down the old building.
To completely level or destroy something by causing it to fall to the ground.
Example
The tornado flattened the entire town, leaving nothing standing.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Knock over
To cause something to fall over or spill due to being unbalanced or unstable.
Example
The cat upset the vase on the shelf while trying to climb up to the top.
To cause something to fall over or turn upside down.
Example
The strong winds overturned the picnic table, sending plates and cups flying everywhere.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “knock”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Phrasal Verbs with “over”
Differences in knock down vs knock over: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: knock down or knock over?
Both knock down and knock over are commonly used in everyday conversation, but knock over is slightly more common. This is because it's often used in situations where objects are accidentally tipped over, such as spilling a drink or knocking over a vase.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of knock down and knock over
Neither knock down nor knock over are particularly formal phrases, but knock over is slightly less formal than knock down. In more formal settings, it's better to use alternative expressions that convey a more professional tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of knock down and knock over
The tone of knock down and knock over can differ based on context. Knock down often carries a forceful or deliberate tone when referring to intentionally causing something to fall, while knock over typically has a more accidental or careless tone, especially when referring to unintentionally causing something to fall.
