What are the definitions of “knock together”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Join houses that had been separate.
They KNOCKED TOGETHER two outbuilding and turned them into a home.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “knock together”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb knock together is to join or combine two separate things, usually houses or buildings, to create a single unit or structure. This can involve removing walls or making other structural changes to connect the two spaces.
What are the different verb forms of “knock together”?
| Root Verb | knock together |
| Third Person Singular Present | knocks together |
| Present Participle | knocking together |
| Simple Past | knocked together |
| Past Participle | knocked together |
Example
They plan to knock together the two small rooms to create a larger living area.
Example
The construction company knocks together old houses to create modern homes.
Example
The workers are knocking together the two apartments to make a bigger one.
Example
They knocked together the two outbuildings and turned them into a home.
Example
The two small offices had been knocked together to create a larger workspace.
What kind of phrasal verb is “knock together”?
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 together” 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 architect knocked together the two houses to create a spacious family home.
Example
They knocked the two rooms together to make a bigger living area.
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 together” 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 architect knocked together the two houses to create a spacious family home.
Example
They knocked the two rooms together to make a bigger living area.
Good things to know
Does “knock together” have an informal or formal tone?
Knock together is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'combine,' 'join,' or 'merge' may be more appropriate.
