Which one of the following statements is correct? Is it possible to please help me with the English rule on this one?
- The stranger knocked on the door.
- The stranger knocked at the door.
Learn English – “knock on the door” or “knock at the door”
prepositions
Best Answer
Both are correct and, absent additional context, are very close in meaning. They do not, however, mean exactly the same thing.
He knocked on the door gives a slight emphasis to the physical act of knocking by focusing on the object subjected to the knocking.
He knocked at the door gives a slight emphasis to the social act of waiting for an invitation to enter the premises by focusing on where the act occurred.
For example, it would sound very odd to say He knocked at the door and then immediately kicked it open.