What are the definitions of “knock it off!”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stop doing something annoying.
The were making too much noise, so I told them to KNOCK IT OFF.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “knock it off!”?
The most common meaning of the phrase knock it off is to stop doing something annoying or irritating. It is often used when someone wants another person to stop a specific behavior that is bothering them.
What are the different verb forms of “knock it off!”?
| Root Phrase | knock it off |
| Third Person Singular Present | knocks it off |
| Present Participle | knocking it off |
| Simple Past | knocked it off |
| Past Participle | knocked it off |
Example
The kids were fighting, so their mom told them to knock it off.
Example
When the teacher enters the room, he knocks it off and starts behaving.
Example
She is knocking it off after her friend asked her to stop teasing.
Example
He knocked it off when he realized he was being too loud.
Example
They knocked it off after the teacher warned them about detention.
What kind of phrasal verb is “knock it off!”?
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
“knock it off!” 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 told her brother to knock it off when he was teasing her.
Example
The teacher asked the students to knock it off during class.
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 it off!” 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 told her brother to knock it off when he was teasing her.
Example
The teacher asked the students to knock it off during class.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “knock it off!”?
Good things to know
Does “knock it off!” have an informal or formal tone?
Knock it off is an informal phrase and is more suitable for casual conversations. It is not appropriate for formal settings or professional communication. In more formal situations, alternatives like 'please stop' or 'cease' can be used.
