A2verb 1K

Knock

🇬🇧 UK /["/nɒk/","/nɒks/","/nɒkt/","/ˈnɒkɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/nɑːk/","/nɑːks/","/nɑːkt/","/ˈnɑːkɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Knock

to hit a door, etc. in order to attract attention

In simple words: To hit something, usually a door, to get attention.

Knock in a sentence

• I heard a knock at the door.
• Please knock before entering my room.
• He used his cane to knock on the ground.
• It's not polite to knock someone's ideas without considering them.
• The teacher will knock on the board to get everyone's attention.
• She always tries to knock me down when I succeed.
• The thunder caused a knock that startled everyone.
• He didn't knock hard enough for her to hear it.

How to use Knock

Commonly used when asking someone to get attention before entering. Can be informal if used in a light-hearted context, but avoid in very formal situations.

Grammar pattern

knock + object (e.g., 'knock the door')

Memory hint

Think of a 'knock-knock' joke — that's how knocking sounds!

Related words

Collocations with Knock

• loudly
• gently
• lightly
• at
• on
• without knocking
• accidentally
• against
• off
• on
• knock somebody/​something flying
• knock somebody off balance
• knock somebody off their feet
• accidentally
• against
• off
• on
• knock somebody/​something flying
• knock somebody off balance
• knock somebody off their feet
• accidentally
• against
• off
• on
• knock somebody/​something flying
• knock somebody off balance
• knock somebody off their feet

Synonyms for Knock

• rap

Opposites of Knock

• open
• shut

Common mistakes with Knock

• Saying 'knock on' instead of just 'knock'
• Confusing 'knock' with 'hit' when referring to knocking on a door
• Using the wrong preposition, e.g., saying 'knock at the door' instead of 'knock on the door'

Frequently asked questions about Knock

What does Knock mean?

To hit something, usually a door, to get attention.

What is the definition of Knock?

to hit a door, etc. in order to attract attention

How do you use Knock in a sentence?

I heard a knock at the door.

Can you give another example of Knock?

Please knock before entering my room.

What are synonyms for Knock?

Common alternatives include rap.

What is the opposite of Knock?

Opposite meanings include open, shut.

What words go with Knock?

It commonly pairs with loudly, gently, lightly, at, on, without knocking, accidentally, against, off, on, knock somebody/​something flying, knock somebody off balance, knock somebody off their feet, accidentally, against, off, on, knock somebody/​something flying, knock somebody off balance, knock somebody off their feet, accidentally, against, off, on, knock somebody/​something flying, knock somebody off balance, knock somebody off their feet.

What are common mistakes when using Knock?

Saying 'knock on' instead of just 'knock' Confusing 'knock' with 'hit' when referring to knocking on a door Using the wrong preposition, e.g., saying 'knock at the door' instead of 'knock on the door'

How do you pronounce Knock?

US: /["/nɑːk/","/nɑːks/","/nɑːkt/","/ˈnɑːkɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/nɒk/","/nɒks/","/nɒkt/","/ˈnɒkɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Knock?

Commonly used when asking someone to get attention before entering. Can be informal if used in a light-hearted context, but avoid in very formal situations.

What CEFR level is Knock?

"Knock" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.