What are the definitions of “knock over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To hit and cause to fall or overturn.
Over 100 people are knocked over on Britain’s roads every day.
- 2To cause something to fall over or be knocked down.
`But Hugh Hunt its working with the Russians, and they are planning to knock over the Carlyle Museum, right?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “knock over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb knock over is to hit something or someone and cause it or them to fall or overturn. It can be used to describe accidentally or intentionally causing something or someone to fall.
What are the different verb forms of “knock over”?
| Root Verb | knock over |
| Third Person Singular Present | knocks over |
| Present Participle | knocking over |
| Simple Past | knocked over |
| Past Participle | knocked over |
Example
Be careful not to knock over the vase while cleaning.
Example
He always knocks over his water glass at dinner.
Example
The wind is knocking over the trash cans outside.
Example
She knocked over the chair when she stood up quickly.
Example
The tree was knocked over during the storm.
What kind of phrasal verb is “knock over”?
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 over” 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 cat knocked over the glass of water.
Example
The strong wind knocked the tree over.
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 over” 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 cat knocked over the glass of water.
Example
The strong wind knocked the tree over.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “knock over”?
Good things to know
Does “knock over” have an informal or formal tone?
Knock over is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative words such as 'topple,' 'overturn,' or 'cause to fall' may be more appropriate.
