What are the definitions of “knuckle under”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Submit to authority.
The teacher made the students KNUCKLE UNDER and hand their projects in on time.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “knuckle under”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb knuckle under is to submit or give in to authority, pressure, or demands. It means to accept someone's control or follow their rules, even if you don't want to.
What are the different verb forms of “knuckle under”?
| Root Verb | knuckle under |
| Third Person Singular Present | knuckles under |
| Present Participle | knuckling under |
| Simple Past | knuckled under |
| Past Participle | knuckled under |
Example
The employees knuckled under when the boss threatened to fire them.
Example
He always knuckles under when his parents tell him to do something.
Example
She is knuckling under to the pressure from her friends to join the club.
Example
They knuckled under when the teacher insisted on the deadline.
Example
The team had knuckled under to the coach's strict training regimen.
What kind of phrasal verb is “knuckle under”?
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
“knuckle under” 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
The students knuckled under when the teacher demanded their homework.
Example
He knuckled under to the pressure from his family.
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
“knuckle under” 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 students knuckled under when the teacher demanded their homework.
Example
He knuckled under to the pressure from his family.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “knuckle under”?
Good things to know
Does “knuckle under” have an informal or formal tone?
Knuckle under is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not commonly used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal synonyms like 'submit' or 'yield' can be used.
