knocks down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "knocks down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or object that is knocking something else down, or to describe a sound or force that is causing something to fall. For example, "The strong wind knocked down several trees near the lake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hail starts to hit and the tornado strengthens and knocks down power lines near the road.

Independent

Whitney Tucker repeatedly knocks down Raja Kelly with flying moves a professional wrestler might envy.

The New York Times - Arts

3 min: Bilbao free kick on the edge of the box after Carrick knocks down Herrera.

The Guardian - Sport

Indochine, a contemporary twist on an 18th-century campaign desk, knocks down for storage.

The New York Times

"The problem is that that voice knocks down a lot of things that you would sell advertising to.

The New Yorker

The next one pitches in the same place outside off stump but jags back in and knocks down middle stump.

The Guardian - Sport

When it gets right down to it, and until he knocks down the rumors, there is really only one front-runner.

The New York Times

As "Avatar" knocks down box office records, the film has hit another, less estimable milestone: it has become the fastest-pirated movie, according to one tracking firm's figures.

The New York Times

As we understand it, all the furniture in a room knocks down and fits into a small crate about the size of a wardrobe trunk.

The New Yorker

"Then he knocks down two huge 3's and it goes to 19 and gives them a big cushion to work with".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These findings suggest that H19 siRNA specifically and effectively knocks-down the level of H19 RNA under both normoxic and hypoxic culture conditions.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "knocks down" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning, whether it's refuting an argument, reducing influence, or overcoming an obstacle.

Common error

Avoid using "knocks down" excessively in formal or academic writing. While acceptable, it can sometimes sound less precise or sophisticated than alternatives like "refutes", "invalidates", or "undermines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knocks down" primarily functions as a verb phrase, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of the phrasal verb "knock down." Ludwig examples show it describing both physical actions (like a tornado knocking down power lines) and abstract concepts (like refuting arguments).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb phrase "knocks down" is a common expression with both literal and figurative applications. It is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While it can sometimes be replaced with more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings, Ludwig's examples confirm its versatility. This suggests that the phrase effectively conveys actions of causing physical objects to fall, refuting arguments, or diminishing concepts. The phrase can be considered neutral in terms of register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brings down

A more general phrase for causing something to fall or fail, similar in scope to "knocks down".

topples

Implies causing something to fall over, often due to imbalance or external force, similar to a physical interpretation of "knocks down".

demolishes

Implies a complete destruction or refutation of something, often more forceful than "knocks down".

subdues

Suggests bringing something under control, often through force, which can be aligned with the forceful nature of "knocks down".

invalidates

Focuses on disproving or negating something, particularly an argument or claim, differing from the physical sense of "knocks down".

refutes

Similar to invalidates, but emphasizes a formal or reasoned opposition.

dismantles

Implies taking something apart piece by piece, more methodical than "knocks down".

overturns

Suggests reversing or changing a decision or outcome, differing from a physical action.

defeats

Focuses on winning against an opponent, differing from the physical implication of "knocks down".

overcomes

Emphasizes success despite obstacles, unlike the direct action of "knocks down".

FAQs

How can I use "knocks down" in a sentence?

You can use "knocks down" to describe a physical action, such as "The wind "knocks down" trees", or a metaphorical one, such as "The evidence "knocks down" his argument".

What are some alternatives to "knocks down"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "demolishes", "refutes", "overturns", or "brings down".

Is "knocks down" formal or informal?

"Knocks down" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between ""knocks down"" and "brings down"?

"Knocks down" often implies a more immediate or forceful action, while "brings down" can suggest a gradual or indirect process leading to a similar outcome.