What are the definitions of “knock down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Demolish.
They KNOCKED DOWN the old church and built a block of flats in its place.
- 2Hit and injure someone.
The car KNOCKED her DOWN and she broke her arm.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “knock down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb knock down is to demolish or destroy a structure, such as a building or a wall. It can also mean to hit and injure someone, usually with a vehicle.
What are the different verb forms of “knock down”?
| Root Verb | knock down |
| Third Person Singular Present | knocks down |
| Present Participle | knocking down |
| Simple Past | knocked down |
| Past Participle | knocked down |
Example
The construction crew will knock down the old building.
Example
He knocks down the old fence to make room for a new one.
Example
They are knocking down the old house to build a new one.
Example
The storm knocked down several trees in the park.
Example
The old building had been knocked down to make way for a new shopping center.
What kind of phrasal verb is “knock down”?
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 down” 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
The workers knocked down the old building.
Example
The car knocked the pedestrian down.
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 down” 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
The workers knocked down the old building.
Example
The car knocked the pedestrian down.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “knock down”?
Good things to know
Does “knock down” have an informal or formal tone?
Knock down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as news reports or business negotiations.
