What is knock? Pronunciation and usage in English

knock means . Learn how to pronounce and use knock through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of knock

knockverb

/nɒk/
Definition & pronunciation of knock

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "knock" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners!

Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈnɒk (rhymes with "lock")

    • ˈnɒk - Stress is on the first syllable ("nock"). This is the key!
    • n - Sounds like the "n" in "no"
    • ɒk - This is the tricky part. It's a short, rounded vowel sound, like the "o" in "cot" or "hot," but shorter and more forced. It's not quite an "a" sound. Think of pursing your lips slightly as if you’re about to say "o," then quickly releasing them.

Here's a more detailed breakdown to help you hear it:

  1. Start with the "n" sound: "n" as in "no."
  2. Then, shape your mouth: Round your lips as if you're going to say "o." Don't fully pronounce the "o" – it's a brief, almost forced vowel sound. Imagine you're trying to create the sound of a short, sharp "uh."
  3. Quick Release: Release the rounded shape of your lips quickly.

Resources to hear the pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "knock" and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/knock/ – This website shows pronunciations by native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce knock" – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the sound.

Common Mistakes:

  • Saying "nok": Many learners say "nok" – this is incorrect. The “o” is crucial.
  • Saying "nahk": Similar to "nok," it lacks the core rounded vowel.

To help me give you even more targeted assistance, could you tell me:

  • What is your native language? (Knowing this can help me suggest similar sounds you might already be familiar with.)

Usage and examples with the word knock in English

Let's break down how to use the word "knock" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word! Here's a breakdown of its different meanings and how to use them, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Knocking (Hitting):

  • Definition: To strike something with your fist or another object.
  • Examples:
    • "He knocked on the door." (Requesting entry)
    • "She knocked over the vase." (Accidentally bumping into something)
    • “He knocked his head on the doorframe.” (Injuring himself)
    • “I knocked the dust off the table.” (Cleaning)
  • Phrases:
    • Knock someone out: To defeat someone in a fight or competition. (Figurative: "He knocked out his opponent.")
    • Knock something down: To cause something to fall over.

2. Sound of Knocking:

  • Definition: The act of hitting something, producing a sound.
  • Examples:
    • “I heard a knock at the door.” (Referring to the sound)
    • "There was a faint knock on the window."
  • Key Point: Often used as a noun: "The sound of the knock was unsettling."

3. Signaling (Asking for Entry):

  • Definition: A short, sharp tap on a door or wall as a way of asking someone to open it. This is its most common use.
  • Examples:
    • "Can I knock?" (Asking permission to knock)
    • “He knocked repeatedly, but no one answered.”
    • “She knocked politely.”

4. Figurative Meanings (Less Common, but Important):

  • To make a sudden impact or influence: This suggests a surprising or forceful effect.

    • "His speech knocked me off my feet." (Meaning it was incredibly powerful and moving)
    • “The new policy knocked the company’s profits down.” (Significantly reduced profits)

  • To interrupt or disturb:

    • “Don’t knock without knocking!” (A reminder to be polite)

5. Phrasal Verbs with "Knock":

  • Knock up: (Informal) To propose to someone. (e.g., "He knocked her up last year.")
  • Knock down: To bring something to the ground; to defeat someone easily. (e.g., "The boxer knocked down his opponent.")
  • Knock off: (Informal) To stop doing something; to steal. (e.g., "Let's knock off playing video games.")

Tips for Using "Knock" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "knock" depends entirely on the situation.
  • Polite knock: When asking to enter, a light, gentle knock is generally considered polite.
  • Variations: "Tap" is often a softer alternative to "knock" when requesting entry.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted information, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "knock" in? (e.g., Are you writing a story, just trying to understand a conversation, etc.?)

Synonyms for the word knock

Idioms of the word knock

bang/knock your/their heads together
(informal)to force people to stop arguing and behave in a sensible way
    beat/knock the (living) daylights out of somebody
    (informal)to hit somebody very hard several times and hurt them very much
    • Get out or I’ll beat the living daylights out of you!
    beat/kick (the) hell out of somebody/something | knock hell out of somebody/something
    (informal)to hit somebody/something very hard
    • He was a dirty player and loved to kick hell out of the opposition.
    blow/knock somebody’s socks off
    (informal)to surprise or impress somebody very much
      get/knock/lick somebody into shape
      to train somebody so that they do a particular job, task, etc. well
      • It took him just two weeks to knock the new recruits into shape.
      get/knock/lick something into shape
      to make something more acceptable, organized or successful
      • I've got all the information together but it still needs knocking into shape.
      • It shouldn’t take long to get the company back into shape.
      hit/knock somebody for six
      (British English)to affect somebody very deeply
      • The business over the lawsuit had really knocked her for six.
      I’ll knock your block/head off!
      (informal)used to threaten somebody that you will hit them
        knock somebody dead
        (informal)to impress somebody very much
        • You look fabulous—you'll knock ’em dead tonight.
        knock somebody/something into a cocked hat
        (British English, old-fashioned)to be very much better than somebody/something
        • She knocks the rest of the cast into a cocked hat.
        knock it off!
        (informal)used to tell somebody to stop making a noise, annoying you, etc.
        • Knock it off, kids—I’m trying to work.
        knock somebody off their pedestal/perch
        to make somebody lose their position as somebody/something successful or admired
        • A lot of teams are looking to knock us off our perch.
        knock something on the head
        (British English, informal)to stop something from happening; to stop doing something
        • The recession knocked on the head any idea of expanding the company.
        • By eleven o’clock we were all tired so we knocked it on the head.
        knock on wood
        (saying)used when talking about your previous good luck or your hopes for the future, to avoid bringing bad luck
        • I've been driving for over 20 years and never had an accident—knock on wood!
        knock somebody sideways
        (informal)to surprise or shock somebody so much that they are unable to react immediately
          knock/talk some sense into somebody
          to try and persuade somebody to stop behaving in a stupid way, sometimes using rough or violent methods
          • Try and talk some sense into her before she makes the wrong decision.
          • Where would I be without you to knock some sense into my head?
          knock spots off somebody/something
          (British English, informal)to be very much better than somebody/something
          • She knocks spots off all the other candidates.
          knock the stuffing out of somebody
          (informal)to make somebody lose their confidence and enthusiasm
            you could have knocked me down with a feather
            (informal)used to express surprise

              Practice with vocabulary knock

              Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

              1. The delivery driver had to ________ firmly on the warehouse door to get attention.
              2. After the accident, the mechanic checked to see if the impact had ________ the car's alignment.
              3. Before the budget meeting, the committee decided to ________ the feasibility of the proposed expansion.
              4. The financial report revealed that unexpected expenses could ________ the company's projected profits significantly.

              Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (multiple correct answers possible)

              1. Which of the following words can be used to describe striking a door or surface to get attention? a) knock b) rap c) tap d) push

              2. Which of these phrases correctly uses 'knock' to mean to remove or defeat someone/something from a position or state? a) The team managed to knock their opponents out of the tournament. b) The strong winds might knock down the old fence. c) They tried to knock the price up during negotiations. d) He managed to knock off the last task before the deadline.

              3. In which of the following contexts would 'knock' be an appropriate word choice? a) To express a wish for continued good fortune after saying something boastful (e.g., 'knock on wood'). b) To describe a sudden, strong impact or collision between two objects. c) To signify a sharp criticism or negative assessment of someone's performance. d) To describe the gentle opening of a package.

              4. Which of the following words describe a forceful impact or collision between two objects? a) collide b) bump c) graze d) slide

              5. Which words mean to openly criticize or condemn someone or something, especially officially or publicly? a) denounce b) praise c) commend d) censure

              Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

              1. The persistent tapping on the office door finally got her attention.
              2. The unexpected turn of events completely surprised the competitors and left them disadvantaged.
              3. It is important not to immediately find fault with new initiatives before giving them a chance.

              Answer:

              Exercise 1:

              1. knock
              2. knocked
              3. evaluate
              4. diminish

              Exercise 2:

              1. a) knock, b) rap, c) tap
              2. a) The team managed to knock their opponents out of the tournament. b) The strong winds might knock down the old fence. d) He managed to knock off the last task before the deadline.
              3. a) To express a wish for continued good fortune after saying something boastful (e.g., 'knock on wood'). b) To describe a sudden, strong impact or collision between two objects. c) To signify a sharp criticism or negative assessment of someone's performance.
              4. a) collide, b) bump
              5. a) denounce, d) censure

              Exercise 3:

              1. The persistent knocking on the office door finally got her attention.
              2. The unexpected turn of events completely knocked the competitors for a loop and left them disadvantaged.
              3. It is important not to immediately critique new initiatives before giving them a chance.

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