Meaning trap

knock down

hit and make fall

To hit someone or something so that they fall to the ground.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

hit and make fall

To hit someone or something so that they fall to the ground.

knock down (demolish (a building or structure))

Another meaning of 'knock down' is 'demolish (a building or structure)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

The cyclist was knocked down by a car but luckily wasn't badly hurt.daily life
I once saw a child get knocked down by a stray football during a game at school.IELTS speaking

Pattern: knock down [object/person]

WrongHe was knocked down from a cyclist.

RightHe was knocked down by a cyclist.

Use 'by' for the agent — 'knocked down BY a car/cyclist'.

Patternknock down [object/person]

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff She was struck by a vehicle and fell to the ground.

Natural She got knocked down by a car.

'Knock down' is the natural verb for being hit and felled. The formal version reads like a report.

Words that usually travel with it.

'Knock over' is used for objects that fall but may not stay down; 'knock down' often means a stronger impact.

knock down (demolish (a building or structure)) — Another meaning of 'knock down' is 'demolish (a building or structure)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.