What are the definitions of “knock about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Beat someone.
He KNOCKED his brother ABOUT after they argued.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “knock about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb knock about is to physically beat or hit someone, usually as a result of an argument or disagreement.
What are the different verb forms of “knock about”?
| Root Verb | knock about |
| Third Person Singular Present | knocks about |
| Present Participle | knocking about |
| Simple Past | knocked about |
| Past Participle | knocked about |
Example
He knocked his brother about after they argued.
Example
She knocks her opponent about during the boxing match.
Example
He is knocking about the punching bag during his workout.
Example
The two friends knocked each other about playfully.
Example
He had been knocked about by his older brother when they were kids.
What kind of phrasal verb is “knock about”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“knock about” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He knocked his brother about after they argued.
Example
She knocked her opponent about during the boxing match.
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
“knock about” 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
He knocked his brother about after they argued.
Example
She knocked her opponent about during the boxing match.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “knock about”?
Good things to know
Does “knock about” have an informal or formal tone?
Knock about is an informal phrasal verb that is typically used in casual conversations. It is not commonly used in formal settings or written communication.
