kneel down

USAGE SUMMARY

'kneel down' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts to describe the action of kneeling. For example: "The knight knelt down before the king in a show of respect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Kneel down!

The New Yorker

He made me kneel down".

The Guardian

Kneel down!" He got to his knees.

The New Yorker

He embodies the Eritrean slogan "never kneel down".

The Economist

We do not kneel down to any threat.

The New York Times

I kneel down and beg forgiveness!" He came back.

The New Yorker

You can also kneel down to set it loose.

The Guardian - Travel

I kneel down, admit my defeat and beg for peace for my soul".

The New York Times

"They took us into the bedroom and made us kneel down.

The New York Times

"Why not have everyone kneel down on the street and pray?" he asked.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

His kneel-down to end the first half.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kneel down" to describe the physical action of going from a standing position to resting on one's knees, particularly when indicating reverence, submission, or prayer.

Common error

Avoid using "kneel down" when a different posture is meant. For instance, use "crouch" when the intent is to lower the body while bending the knees, not necessarily resting them on the ground. Similarly, "bow" is appropriate for showing respect by bending the head or upper body, rather than kneeling.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "kneel down" is that of an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating an action performed by the subject. It is used to describe the act of lowering oneself to rest on one's knees. Ludwig AI confirms that "kneel down" is correct and usable in written English, showcasing its functionality across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kneel down" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrasal verb describing the act of lowering oneself to rest on one's knees. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, including those implying reverence, submission, or simply a change in physical position. While "kneel" alone can sometimes suffice, "kneel down" often adds emphasis on the action of assuming the kneeling position. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, as well as general wiki content, demonstrating its common usage in both formal and informal writing. Related phrases like "get down on one's knees" or "take a knee" can offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go down on your knees

A more emphatic way of saying "kneel down", often used to express strong emotion.

get down on one's knees

Emphasizes the act of kneeling, often suggesting desperation or supplication.

be on bended knee

Similar to "get down on one's knees", but implies a more sustained posture.

take a knee

Implies kneeling, often in protest or respect, especially in sports contexts.

genuflect

More formal term suggesting a brief kneeling, typically as a sign of reverence in religious settings.

bend the knee

Figurative, implies submission or yielding to authority.

bow down

Involves bending the body forward, indicating respect or submission, but not necessarily kneeling.

stoop

Bending the body downwards, not necessarily to the ground or in reverence.

crouch

Lowing the body to the ground, maintaining an squatting posture.

prostrate oneself

Lying flat on the ground face down, showing extreme humility or submission.

FAQs

How is "kneel down" used in a sentence?

You can use "kneel down" to describe the act of lowering your body to rest on your knees, often to show respect, pray, or reach something low. For example: "The knight had to "get down on one's knees" before the queen."

What can I say instead of "kneel down"?

Alternatives include "take a knee", "genuflect" (especially in religious contexts), or "get down on one's knees" for emphasis.

Is it redundant to say "kneel down", since kneeling already implies being down?

While "kneel" alone can suffice, "kneel down" emphasizes the action of going from a standing position to kneeling. It's not strictly redundant, but offers additional clarity, especially if the starting position isn't clear.

When should I use "kneel" versus "kneel down"?

Use "kneel" when the context already implies the downward motion or when describing a state of being on one's knees. Use "kneel down" when emphasizing the action of assuming the kneeling position. For example, "They "genuflected" in prayer" vs. "He was ordered to "get down on one's knees" immediately."