Differences between knock over and spill over
Knock over means to accidentally hit or push something, causing it to fall over. Spill over means to overflow or spread beyond the limits of a container or space.
Meanings and Definitions: knock over vs spill over
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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?
Spill over
- 1When something bad has a wider impact on other people or situations.
The protests and demonstrations have SPILLED OVER into neighbouring states.
- 2Flow over the edge or top of a container.
I forgot to turn the tap off and the water SPILLED OVER.
Usage Examples: knock over, spill over in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
knock over
Example
Be careful not to knock over the vase while cleaning.
Example
He always knocks over his water glass at dinner.
spill over
Example
Be careful not to let the soup spill over the edge of the bowl.
Example
When the pot is too full, the water spills over while boiling.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Knock over
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Spill over
To exceed the limits of a container or space.
Example
The river overflowed its banks after heavy rainfall.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “knock”
Phrasal Verbs with “spill”
Phrasal Verbs with “over”
Differences in knock over vs spill over: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: knock over or spill over?
In everyday conversation, knock over is more common than spill over. This is because knock over can be used in various situations, such as knocking over a cup of coffee or knocking over a vase. Spill over is less common and is mainly used when referring to liquids or emotions that overflow.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of knock over and spill over
Knock over and spill over are informal phrases suitable for casual conversations. However, spill over can also be used in more formal contexts, such as academic writing or business reports, to describe the overflow of data or ideas.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of knock over and spill over
The tone of knock over and spill over can differ based on context. Knock over often carries a sense of accident or clumsiness, while spill over can have a negative connotation, such as when emotions spill over and cause conflict.
