run over or run down?

[Ana Laura]

Hello

I know that 'run over' means to 'drive over someone' but I have doubts when it comes to 'run down'. Are they synonyms?

She was run down/over as she was crossing the road. What kind of phrasal verb is used when I want to say that the action of passing over someone was done on purpose?

Thank you very much for your help.

[Trexman25]

hey there, i'm also new here and you've already made me feel at home with your interesting post. interesting because i believe those two are not synonyms. run down has more to do wear due to negligence or intentional over-use. at the same time you could use it, in that context of a girl being run down by a car, and it would be proper

[Skrej]

Hi Ana,

No, they aren't quite synonyms.

'Run down' implies that the act was done on purpose, with an intent to cause harm.

'Run over' could be accidental, and does not imply a choice to intentionally hit the person.
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[Ana Laura]

Thank you very much for your replies.

[Ana Laura]

Oh, I forgot to ask if the same happens with 'knock down' and 'knock over'.

He got knocked over/down by a bus.

Thanks for your patience!