Differences between knock out and rule out

Knock out means to make someone unconscious or to defeat someone in a competition, whereas rule out means to eliminate something as a possibility or to exclude something from consideration.

Meanings and Definitions: knock out vs rule out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Knock out

1Hit and make somebody unconscious.
The reigning middleweight champion KNOCKED OUT the challenger in the fourth round of the fight.
2Sell, distribute.
They're KNOCKING hundreds OUT a day in the sales.

Rule out

1Exclude a possibility.
The police have RULED OUT suicide and are treating it as a case of murder.

Usage Examples: knock out, rule out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

knock out

Example

The boxer tried to knock out his opponent in the first round.

Example

He knocks out the competition with his powerful punches.

rule out

Example

The doctor ruled out any serious illness after examining the patient.

Example

She rules out any possibility of going on vacation this year.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Knock out

put to sleep

To make someone unconscious, usually with anesthesia or medication.

Example

The dentist decided to put her to sleep during the surgery to avoid any discomfort or pain.

beat down

To defeat someone decisively or to overpower them physically or mentally.

Example

The team beat down their opponents with a score of 6-0 in the final match.

take down

To defeat or overcome someone or something, usually in a competition or battle.

Example

The wrestler managed to take down his opponent with a swift move and won the match.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Rule out

eliminate from consideration

To exclude or remove something from being considered or discussed.

Example

Let's eliminate that option from consideration since it doesn't align with our project's goals.

dismiss as a possibility

To reject or discard something as a potential solution or outcome.

Example

After analyzing the data, we can dismiss that theory as a possibility and focus on other factors.

cross off the list

To mark something as completed or eliminated from a list of options or tasks.

Example

We can cross off that item from the list since we have already addressed it in the previous meeting.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “knock”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in knock out vs rule out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: knock out or rule out?

In daily conversation, people use rule out more often than knock out. This is because rule out is used in various contexts such as decision-making, problem-solving, and medical diagnosis. Knock out is less common and mainly used in sports or boxing-related conversations.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of knock out and rule out

Knock out and rule out are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. However, rule out can also be used in formal settings like academic or scientific writing to indicate the elimination of a hypothesis or possibility.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of knock out and rule out

The tone of knock out and rule out can differ based on context. Knock out often carries a competitive or aggressive tone when related to sports or competitions, while rule out typically has a logical and objective tone, especially when referring to decision-making or problem-solving.

knock out & rule out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Knock out

Synonyms

eliminate
produce
manufacture
overwhelm
render unconscious
defeat decisively

Antonyms

Rule out

Synonyms

Antonyms