Phrasal verbs "get by" vs "get down to"

Differences between get by and get down to

Get by means to manage or survive with the resources available, while get down to means to start focusing on a task or activity.

Meanings and Definitions: get by vs get down to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Get by

• 1. Have just enough money to live on.

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

• 2. Not 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 to

• 1. Start working seriously.

  I find it extremely difficult to GET DOWN TO doing any revision for examinations.

• 2. Enjoy something a lot.

  People were GETTING DOWN TO the concert.

Usage Examples: get by, get down to 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 to

Example

After the holidays, it's time to get down to work.

Example

She always gets down to her homework right after school.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get by

make do

To manage or cope with what is available, even if it is not ideal.

Example

We didn't have enough chairs, so we had to make do with some pillows on the floor.

scrape by

To barely manage or survive with limited resources or income.

Example

After losing his job, he had to scrape by with odd jobs until he found a new one.

get along

To manage or survive in a particular situation or with certain people.

Example

Despite their differences, they were able to get along and work together on the project.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get down to

get started on

To begin working on a task or activity.

Example

We need to get started on the report if we want to finish it by the deadline.

focus on

To concentrate or give attention to a particular task or activity.

Example

Let's focus on the main issue and find a solution to the problem.

set to work

To start working on a task or activity with determination or enthusiasm.

Example

After the meeting, she set to work on the project and finished it ahead of schedule.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “get”

• get on for
• get back to
• get across to
• get ahead of
• get about

Phrasal Verbs with “by”

• zip by
• sit by
• stand by
• live by
• roll by

Phrasal Verbs with “down to”

• talk down to
• come down to
• strip down to
• go down to
• put down to

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

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

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but get by is more frequently used than get down to. This is because get by can be used in various situations where someone is trying to manage with limited resources, while get down to is more specific to starting a task.

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

Both get by and get down to are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

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

The tone of get by and get down to can differ based on context. Get by often carries a tone of struggle or difficulty, while get down to typically has a tone of focus or determination.

get by & get down to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Get by

Synonyms

• manage
• survive
• cope
• scrape by
• make do
• squeak by
• make ends meet

Antonyms

• struggle
• fail
• suffer
• lack
• fall short
• be insufficient

Get down to

Synonyms

• begin
• start
• commence
• tackle
• address
• focus on
• concentrate on
• embark on

Antonyms

• procrastinate
• delay
• postpone
• distract
• avoid
• ignore
• neglect
• put off