What does the phrasal verb “knock off” mean?

What are the definitions of “knock off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Finish work for the day.

  We KNOCKED OFF early on Friday to avoid the rush hour queues.

• 2. Reduce the price of something.

  They KNOCKED ten pounds OFF when I asked for a discount.

• 3. Reduce the time required to do something.

  The new road KNOCKS an hour OFF the journey.

• 4. Steal.

  He KNOCKED it OFF and sold it.

• 5. Produce or create something quickly.

  I KNOCKED the essay OFF in an hour.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “knock off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb knock off is to finish work for the day. It is often used when talking about leaving work early or completing a task before the expected time. For example, it can mean finishing work early on a Friday or completing a project ahead of schedule.

What are the different verb forms of “knock off”?

Root Verb	knock off
Third Person Singular Present	knocks off
Present Participle	knocking off
Simple Past	knocked off
Past Participle	knocked off

Example

I can't wait to knock off and start my weekend.

Example

She knocks off work at 5 pm every day.

Example

He is knocking off early today to catch a flight.

Example

Yesterday, they knocked off work at 4 pm.

Example

The team knocked off early after finishing the project.

What kind of phrasal verb is “knock off”?

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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 off” 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

They knocked off work early on Friday.

Example

She knocked ten pounds off the price.

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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 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

They knocked off work early on Friday.

Example

She knocked ten pounds off the price.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “knock off”?

Knock off work

To finish work for the day, especially when leaving early.

Example

I'm going to knock off work early today and enjoy the sunshine.

Knock off the price

To reduce the price of something, often as a discount.

Example

The store knocked off 20% during the sale.

Knock off time

To reduce the time required to do something, often by making a task more efficient.

Example

The new software knocked off hours of manual work.

Good things to know

Does “knock off” have an informal or formal tone?

Knock off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be appropriate for formal settings or written communication. In more formal situations, alternative phrases such as 'finish work,' 'reduce the price,' or 'decrease the time' can be used instead.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “knock off”?

Synonyms

• end
• complete
• reduce
• decrease
• lessen
• lower
• diminish
• finish
• conclude
• terminate

Antonyms

• start
• begin
• commence
• initiate
• increase
• raise
• enlarge
• expand
• extend
• boost