knock knock

USAGE SUMMARY

"knock knock" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used as the opening line of a joke or a conversation to indicate that someone is knocking at a door or to get someone's attention. An example of using "knock knock" in a sentence could be: "Knock knock," said Sarah, tapping on the door. In this sentence, "knock knock" is used to indicate that Sarah is knocking on the door, and it could be followed by the person inside responding with "Who's there?" to continue the joke or conversation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

KNOCK, knock, knock.

The New York Times - Arts

Knock, knock.

Cornell University

Knock, knock, knock.

The Guardian - Books

WILLIE: Ask me "Knock, knock, knock"!

The New Yorker

Knock Knock, who's there?

Independent

One example:Knock, knock.

The Economist

Siri: "Knock knock.

The New York Times

SARAH PALIN Knock, knock!

The New York Times

"Knock Knock!" "Who's there?" "Lemmy".

The New Yorker

Knock Knock Who's there?

The Guardian - Sport

Adult: Banana who? Child: Knock, knock.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "knock knock" to start a joke, ensure the follow-up is a pun or play on words related to the 'who's there' response.

Common error

Avoid using "knock knock" in formal writing or professional settings unless it's part of a specific, intentional humorous element. Its informal nature makes it inappropriate for serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knock knock" functions primarily as an interjection to initiate a conventional exchange, most commonly to signal the start of a joke or to indicate someone is at a door. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in these contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "knock knock" functions as an informal interjection primarily used to initiate jokes or to signal someone's presence, as supported by Ludwig AI. It is very common in News & Media and academia contexts, but rarely appropriate in formal settings. Remember that while alternatives like "is anybody there" exist, they don't carry the same established comedic weight or invitation to interact as the classic "knock knock".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is anybody there

This alternative is a question inquiring about someone's presence, differing from the declarative nature of "knock knock".

hello there

This alternative is a greeting, used to initiate conversation, but less specific than "knock knock".

who's at the door

This alternative inquires about the identity of the person knocking, unlike "knock knock" which initiates the interaction.

anyone home

This alternative checks if someone is present, broader than "knock knock" which implies someone is at the entrance.

can I come in

This alternative requests entry, differing from the introductory function of "knock knock".

may I enter

This alternative is a formal request for permission to enter, unlike the informal "knock knock".

I am here

This alternative simply announces one's presence, lacking the interactive nature of "knock knock".

open up

This alternative is a direct command to open the door, unlike the conventional initiation of "knock knock".

I'm at the door

This alternative is a statement of location, unlike "knock knock" which is an action initiating interaction.

ding dong

This alternative mimics the sound of a doorbell, rather than an invitation to respond like "knock knock".

FAQs

How do you start a knock knock joke?

A knock knock joke always starts with the phrase "knock knock". The other person should respond with "Who's there?" and then you continue with the joke setup.

What is the structure of a knock knock joke?

The structure involves: "Knock knock", "Who's there?", a name, and finally, a pun or funny twist related to the name. For example: "Knock knock", "Who's there?", "Lettuce", "Lettuce in, it's cold out here!"

What can I say instead of repeating "knock knock"?

While "knock knock" is the standard and recognized opening, you might use variations like tapping sounds or the phrase "is anybody there" for a slightly different effect, though it changes the joke's essence.

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

Generally, no. "Knock knock" is very informal and best suited for jokes or casual conversation. Consider more professional alternatives like "may I enter" or a simple "hello" in formal contexts.