What are the definitions of “knock back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cost someone a lot of money.
Your holiday must have KNOCKED you BACK a bit.
- 2Finish a drink quickly, drink a lot of alcohol.
The pub was closing so we KNOCKED our drinks BACK and left.
- 3Shock.
It really KNOCKED me BACK when I heard they had been killed.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “knock back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb knock back is to drink a lot of alcohol or finish a drink quickly. For example, it can mean drinking a glass of water quickly or consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period.
What are the different verb forms of “knock back”?
| Root Verb | knock back |
| Third Person Singular Present | knocks back |
| Present Participle | knocking back |
| Simple Past | knocked back |
| Past Participle | knocked back |
Example
He decided to knock back a few beers after work.
Example
She knocks back a glass of water after her workout.
Example
They are knocking back shots at the party.
Example
He knocked back his drink before leaving the bar.
Example
She had knocked back a few too many drinks last night.
What kind of phrasal verb is “knock back”?
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 back” 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 back a glass of water.
Example
She knocked the drink back quickly.
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 back” 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 back a glass of water.
Example
She knocked the drink back quickly.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “knock back”?
Good things to know
Does “knock back” have an informal or formal tone?
Knock back is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for formal settings or professional communication. In more formal contexts, alternative phrases such as 'consume quickly' or 'drink rapidly' can be used.
