What are the definitions of “kick against”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To resist or oppose something.
How can you kick against that?
- 2To resist or oppose something, especially authority or rules.
Katherine has an instinct for kicking against the establishment.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “kick against”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb kick against is to resist or oppose something, especially authority or rules. It is often used to describe someone who does not like to follow rules or who challenges the status quo.
What are the different verb forms of “kick against”?
| Root Verb | kick against |
| Third Person Singular Present | kicks against |
| Present Participle | kicking against |
| Simple Past | kicked against |
| Past Participle | kicked against |
Example
He always kicks against the rules at school.
Example
She kicks against the traditional way of doing things.
Example
They are kicking against the unfair policies at work.
Example
He kicked against the decision made by the committee.
Example
The protesters had kicked against the new law.
What kind of phrasal verb is “kick against”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“kick against” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She kicked against the unfair treatment.
Example
He kicked against the new regulations.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“kick against” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She kicked against the unfair treatment.
Example
He kicked against the new regulations.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “kick against”?
Good things to know
Does “kick against” have an informal or formal tone?
Kick against is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'resist,' 'oppose,' or 'challenge.'
