Knocks sb down Meaning, Examples & How to Use in Sentences

What Does “Knocks sb down” Mean?

“Knocks sb down” means to physically hit someone so that they fall to the ground or to reduce the price of something significantly.

Introduction

The phrase “knocks sb down” has two main uses in English. First, it can describe physically causing someone to fall by hitting or pushing them. Second, it is used in a more figurative sense to talk about lowering prices or offers. Understanding the “knocks sb down” meaning helps learners use this phrasal verb confidently in different contexts. Whether you want to describe a sports action or a bargaining situation, this phrase is quite useful. This guide will show you how to use “knocks sb down” naturally with examples and common collocations.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: knocks somebody down
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B1
• Short meaning: To hit someone so they fall or to reduce a price

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Knocks sb down” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it always needs an object (someone or something). It is separable when used with pronouns.

• Subject + knock(s) + someone + down
• Example with pronoun: He knocked her down.

Note: You cannot separate “knock” and “down” when using the full noun object. For example, “He knocked the player down” is correct, but “He knocked down the player” is less common and may sound awkward.

How to Use “Knocks sb down”?

Use “knocks sb down” to describe a physical action where someone is hit or pushed and falls. It often appears in sports or fight descriptions. It can also describe lowering prices, often in sales or negotiations.

Example in physical context: The boxer knocks his opponent down in the second round.

Example in price context: The seller knocked the price down by 20%.

Examples

Here are some natural sentences using “knocks sb down in a sentence”:

• The football player knocked his rival down during the game.
• She accidentally knocked the child down while playing.
• They knocked the price down to attract more customers.
• He knocked me down with his powerful punch.
• The shopkeeper knocked the price down after I asked for a discount.

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse the word order or use the phrase without an object. Here are some common mistakes:

• Incorrect: He knocked down.
• Correct: He knocked me down.
• Incorrect: She knocks down the price.
• Correct: She knocks the price down.

Remember, “knocks sb down” needs a person or object after “knock.”

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrasal verbs include “knock over” and “knock out.” While “knock sb down” means to make someone fall, “knock over” usually involves accidentally pushing something or someone down. “Knock out” means to cause someone to lose consciousness.

• Knock over: Usually accidental (e.g., She knocked over the vase).
• Knock out: To make someone unconscious (e.g., The boxer knocked out his opponent).

Use “knocks sb down” when you want to emphasize the act of hitting someone so they fall but stay conscious.

Common Collocations

Here are common objects used with “knocks sb down” and their meanings:

• Knocks a player down: In sports, pushing or hitting a player to the ground.
• Knocks a child down: Physically causing a child to fall.
• Knocks the price down: Reduces the cost of something.
• Knocks an opponent down: In fighting or competition, making the opponent fall.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of knocks sb down:

• Knocks Sb Over

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short natural conversation using “knocks sb down”:

Anna: Did you see the game yesterday?

Tom: Yes! The striker knocked the defender down pretty hard.

Anna: I know. It was a tough match.

Tom: Also, the shop knocked the price down on those shoes.

Anna: That’s great! I might buy a pair.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “knocks sb down”:

• During the match, the defender ________ the striker ________.
• The store ________ the price ________ to attract more buyers.
• He accidentally ________ the child ________ while playing.

FAQs

• What does “knocks sb down” mean? It means to hit someone so they fall or to reduce a price.
• Is “knocks sb down” separable? Yes, you can separate it with pronouns but not with full nouns.
• Can “knocks sb down” be used in non-physical contexts? Yes, it is often used to talk about lowering prices.
• What is the difference between “knocks sb down” and “knock out”? “Knocks sb down” means to make someone fall, while “knock out” means to make someone unconscious.
• Is “knocks sb down” formal or informal? It is commonly used in everyday informal and semi-formal contexts.