Differences between get by with and get down

Get by with means to manage or survive with the resources available, while get down means to lower oneself to a sitting or lying position or to start doing something seriously or with enthusiasm.

Meanings and Definitions: get by with vs get down

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Get by with

1Have enough of something to do the job.
We should be able to GET BY WITH three PCs, but four would be better.

Get down

1Make someone depressed, unhappy, exhausted, etc..
The miserable weather in winter really GETS me DOWN.
2Write, record.
I couldn't GET DOWN everything he said.
3Manage to swallow.
The medicine tasted horrible and it was difficult to GET it DOWN.
4Descend, leave a vehicle.
The trained pulled in and we GOT DOWN.
5Leave the table after eating.
When they had finished dinner, the children asked if they could GET DOWN.
6Reduce.
The doctor says I my GET my cholesterol levels DOWN.
7Have an affair or sexual relations.
They GOT DOWN at the party last week.

Usage Examples: get by with, get down in Sentences

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get by with

Example

We can get by with the food we have in the pantry.

Example

She gets by with her old car, but she would like a new one.

get down

Example

She needs to get down from the tree before she falls.

Example

He gets down from the ladder carefully.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get by with

make do

To manage or cope with what is available or at hand.

Example

With limited funds, she had to make do with second-hand furniture for her apartment.

scrape by

To barely manage to survive or make ends meet.

Example

After losing his job, he had to scrape by on unemployment benefits until he found a new one.

get along

To manage or coexist with someone or something.

Example

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

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get down

sit down

To lower oneself into a seated position.

Example

She asked him to sit down and relax while she prepared dinner.

boogie down

To dance energetically or enthusiastically.

Example

At the party, everyone was boogieing down to the DJ's music.

get serious

To start doing something with focus or determination.

Example

It's time to get serious and study for the exam tomorrow.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “get”

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

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

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

In daily conversation, people use get by with more often than get down. This is because get by with is used for more everyday situations such as managing finances or completing tasks. Get down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about physical actions like sitting or dancing. So, while both phrases are used, get by with is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Get by with and get down 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 with and get down

The tone of get by with and get down can differ based on context. Get by with often carries a practical or resourceful tone when related to managing or surviving, while get down typically has a playful or enthusiastic tone, especially when referring to dancing or starting a task.

get by with & get down: Synonyms and Antonyms

Get by with

Synonyms

manage with
make do with
cope with
survive with
suffice with

Antonyms

insufficient
lack
need more
require more

Get down

Synonyms

Antonyms