knock up

Friendly

Certainly! The phrase "knock up" can be a bit confusing because it has different meanings in English. Let's break it down.

Basic Meaning

1. To Make Pregnant: The primary meaning of "knock up" is to cause a woman to become pregnant. This is often used informally or colloquially.

   • Example: "He knocked her up after they had been dating for a few months."

Usage Instructions

• Context: "Knock up" is often used in casual conversation, so it might not be appropriate in formal settings. Use it with friends or in less serious discussions.
• Subject/Verb Agreement: Since "knock up" is a verb phrase, it can be used with different subjects. For example, "He knocked her up," or "They got knocked up."

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can also be used with a bit of humor or in a light-hearted context, but be mindful of the audience since it can be sensitive.

Word Variants

• Knocked Up (past tense): Used to indicate that the action has already happened.
  • Example: "She got knocked up last summer."

Different Meanings

1. To Wake Someone Up: In some contexts, "knock up" can also mean to wake someone by knocking on their door or making a noise.

   • Example: "I will knock you up at 7 AM so we can get to the airport on time."

Synonyms

• For the meaning of making someone pregnant, you might also use:
  • Impregnate: "He impregnated his wife."
  • Get pregnant: "She got pregnant after their vacation."

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "Knock up" is not commonly used in idioms, but it's considered a phrasal verb because it combines a verb (knock) with a particle (up). It’s important to know the context when using phrasal verbs in English because they can change meaning based on usage.

Summary

"Knock up" primarily means to make someone pregnant, but it can also mean to wake someone up in a different context. Use it informally and be aware of the audience when using this phrase.

Academic

Verb

1. make pregnant
   • He impregnated his wife again

Synonyms

• impregnate
• bang up
• prang up