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Phrasal verbs "get by" vs "get down on"

Differences between get by and get down on

Get by means to manage or survive with limited resources or abilities, while get down on means to criticize or express disapproval towards someone or something.

Meanings and Definitions: get by vs get down on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Get by

  • 1Have just enough money to live on.

    They're finding it increasingly difficult to GET BY since their daughter was born.

  • 2Not be noticed ( problems, errors, etc ).

    I had checked it, but there still were a few mistakes that didn't GET BY the editor.

Get down on

  • 1Criticise.

    My mother used to GET DOWN ON us for not doing enough homework.

Usage Examples: get by, get down on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

get by

Example

I'm not rich, but I can get by with my current salary.

Example

She gets by on a tight budget every month.

get down on

Example

Don't get down on yourself for making a mistake.

Example

She always gets down on her brother for not cleaning his room.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get by

make do

To manage or cope with what is available or possible, especially in difficult circumstances.

Example

With the limited resources available, they had to make do and find creative solutions to complete the project.

scrape by

To barely manage or survive with very little money or resources.

Example

As a struggling artist, she had to scrape by on a meager income and occasional gigs.

get along

To manage or maintain a relationship or situation without serious problems or conflicts.

Example

Despite their different personalities, they managed to get along and work together effectively.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get down on

look down on

To have a negative or contemptuous attitude towards someone or something.

Example

She always looked down on people who didn't share her political views, which made it hard to have a civil conversation.

put down

To criticize or belittle someone or something in a demeaning way.

Example

He was always quick to put down other people's ideas, which made them feel discouraged and undervalued.

disapprove of

To have a negative opinion or judgment about someone or something.

Example

Her parents disapproved of her decision to drop out of college and pursue a career in music.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “by”

Differences in get by vs get down on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: get by or get down on?

In daily conversation, people use get by more often than get down on. This is because get by is a common phrase used to describe managing in difficult situations, while get down on is less common and usually used in more specific contexts.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get by and get down on

Get by and get down on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of get by and get down on

The tone of get by and get down on can differ based on context. Get by often carries a neutral or slightly negative tone when related to managing or surviving, while get down on typically has a negative or critical tone, especially when referring to expressing disapproval or criticism.

get by & get down on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Get by

Synonyms

Antonyms

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