"knock on the door" vs "knock at the door"

Question

"knock on the door" vs "knock at the door"

Both 'knock on the door' and 'knock at the door' are commonly used phrases in English. They are interchangeable and convey the same meaning. The choice between 'on' and 'at' is a matter of personal preference, and both are correct.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

This phrase is used to describe the action of hitting a door with your knuckles to get someone's attention or gain entry.

Examples:

I heard someone knock on the door late at night.
Please knock on the door before entering.
She decided to knock on the door rather than ring the bell.
The delivery person knocked on the door and left the package outside.
I always knock on the door before entering a room.

Alternatives:

knock at the door
knock on the window
knock on the wall
knock on the table
knock on the ceiling

This phrase is used to describe the action of hitting a door with your knuckles to get someone's attention or gain entry.

Examples:

She knocked at the door but no one answered.
I always knock at the door before entering a room.
The police officer knocked at the door and waited for a response.
He heard a knock at the door and went to see who it was.
Please knock at the door softly so you don't startle anyone.

Alternatives:

knock on the door
knock on the window
knock on the wall
knock on the table
knock on the ceiling

Answer 1

knock on the door

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

knock at the door

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"knock on the door" vs "knock at the door"

knock on the door

knock at the door

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