What are the definitions of “knock out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Hit and make somebody unconscious.
The reigning middleweight champion KNOCKED OUT the challenger in the fourth round of the fight.
- 2Sell, distribute.
They're KNOCKING hundreds OUT a day in the sales.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “knock out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb knock out is to hit someone or something so hard that they become unconscious or unable to function. This can happen in sports like boxing or in other situations where someone is hit forcefully.
What are the different verb forms of “knock out”?
| Root Verb | knock out |
| Third Person Singular Present | knocks out |
| Present Participle | knocking out |
| Simple Past | knocked out |
| Past Participle | knocked out |
Example
The boxer tried to knock out his opponent in the first round.
Example
He knocks out the competition with his powerful punches.
Example
She is knocking out her opponent with a strong right hook.
Example
The fighter knocked out his rival in the third round.
Example
The champion was knocked out in the final match.
What kind of phrasal verb is “knock out”?
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 out” 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 boxer knocked out his opponent.
Example
She knocked the intruder out with a baseball bat.
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 out” 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 boxer knocked out his opponent.
Example
She knocked the intruder out with a baseball bat.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “knock out”?
Good things to know
Does “knock out” have an informal or formal tone?
Knock out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use synonyms like 'render unconscious' or 'defeat decisively'.
