Phrasal verb
knock around
Definition
phrasal verb. to move something in a rough or uncontrolled way — often used when describing how an object is handled carelessly.
phrasal verb. to move an object with force and lack of precision; transitive verb, typically used in informal contexts; can also mean to spend time with friends in a casual manner (less common).
Examples
“He knocked the ball around the room.”
“The child knocked the toy around the floor, making a mess.”
“The artist knocked the clay around the table, shaping it into a rough sculpture.”
Examples
simple
“He knocked the ball around the room.”
contextual
“The child knocked the toy around the floor, making a mess.”
complex
“The artist knocked the clay around the table, shaping it into a rough sculpture.”
Usage
Typically followed by an object being moved.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'move' (more general) and 'toss' (more forceful); learners may confuse it with 'knock about' (British English for 'hang out').
Pitfall
He knocked around.
He knocked the ball around.
the phrasal verb requires an object; 'knock around' alone is incomplete and grammatically incorrect.
Phrasal verb
Particles
around
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
knock + around + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/knock-around