knock

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'knock' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to striking something with your hand or a heavy object such as a hammer, or when asking someone to knock before entering a room. Example sentence: She gently knocked on the door.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"They show Starbucks have taken a bit of a knock as a result [of public outrage]," he said, although he was not able to release the precise figures.

The Guardian - Business

This increase in undergraduate students has had a knock on effect, and seen more graduates applying for higher-level study.

The Guardian

On the outside it looks like a small, old-world liquor store, but forget yourself, walk right behind the counter, take a seat in the front room or the hallway (complete with discrete exit to a side street), knock back some drinks and chat with owner Dilip and the locals.

The Guardian - Travel

The kind of knock that would mean very little nowadays, aged just 25, he never played professionally again, and though Newcastle got their money back on the insurance, the team was never the same.

The Guardian - Sport

"That problem has been temporarily rectified by the local authority paying for a concrete specialist company to simply knock off the crumbling concrete and painting the exposed metal underneath".

The Guardian

The Power suffered a nervous moment when Schulz banged his head on the turf just a week after copping a heavy knock to the face.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

There was no rebuttal pointing out the decent levels of growth before George Osborne choked off the recovery Even the entirely false statement that Gordon Brown had sold off the Britain's gold reserves at knock-down prices to fund public spending went unchallenged, sacrificed to the strategy of fighting the 2015 election, not the 2010 one all over again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Slater boots it into Hodkinson and the ref calls knock-on, which is a very harsh call against NSW.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: Brazil drought: water rationing alone won't save Sao Paulo At the Waterbank School in Laikipia, pupils demonstrate in class what they learn about economically and environmentally sustainable rainwater harvesting, water filtration, sanitation and agricultural practices, which is bound to have a wider knock-on effect for their futures.

The Guardian

Almost every issue that feminists campaign about would have a positive knock-on effect for men.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you are let down by a supplier, that can have a terrible knock-on effect on your customers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "knock" in formal writing, consider the specific nuance you intend to convey. Alternatives like "strike" or "impact" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "knock" to mean simply "criticize" in formal contexts. While acceptable in informal speech, more precise words like "denigrate" or "undermine" improve clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The word "knock" functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it describes the act of striking something. As a noun, it refers to the sound produced by such an action or an instance of criticism. Ludwig examples showcase both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "knock" demonstrates remarkable versatility, functioning both as a verb and a noun with distinct yet related meanings. As Ludwig highlights, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Primarily found in neutral contexts like News & Media and Sport, "knock" describes physical actions like striking a surface or metaphorical actions like criticizing. While generally acceptable, formal writing might benefit from more precise alternatives. Ludwig's examples provide a comprehensive view of how "knock" is employed, reinforcing its standing as a common and adaptable term in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

criticize

When "knock" is used metaphorically, this is a direct synonym.

rap

Similar to "knock", but may imply a quicker, sharper sound.

tap

A lighter, gentler form of striking compared to "knock".

denigrate

Similar to criticize, but suggests a stronger negative connotation.

bang

Implies a louder, more forceful impact than "knock".

belittle

To make someone or something seem unimportant.

strike

A more general term for hitting something, less specific than "knock".

bump

Often implies an accidental or gentle collision.

impact

Referring to a physical hit or effect.

collide

To strike violently.

FAQs

How can I use "knock" in a sentence?

You can use "knock" to describe the action of hitting something, as in "I heard a "knock" on the door". It can also mean to criticize, like "Don't "knock" it until you've tried it".

What are some synonyms for "knock"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "knock" include "tap", "rap", "criticize", or "impact".

Is it correct to use "knock" in formal writing?

Yes, "knock" can be used in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise alternative, such as "strike" or "criticize", would be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "knock" and "bump"?

"Knock" usually implies a deliberate action, like knocking on a door. "Bump" often suggests an accidental collision or impact.