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

Differences between get down and get down on

Get down usually means to lower oneself to the ground or to descend from a higher place, whereas get down on generally means to criticize or express disapproval of someone or something.

Meanings and Definitions: get down vs get down on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

Get down on

  • 1Criticise.

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

Usage Examples: get down, get down on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

get down

Example

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

Example

He gets down from the ladder carefully.

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 down

sit down

To take a seat or rest one's body on a chair or surface.

Example

After a long day at work, she was happy to sit down and relax.

lower oneself

To move one's body to a lower position or level.

Example

He had to lower himself to reach the bottom shelf of the bookcase.

bust a move

To dance or perform a series of dance moves with energy and enthusiasm.

Example

She loves to bust a move whenever she hears her favorite song.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get down on

criticize

To express disapproval or negative opinions about someone or something.

Example

He didn't like the way his boss criticized his work in front of the team.

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.

look down on

To regard someone or something as inferior or less important.

Example

Some people look down on those who work in service jobs, but they fail to appreciate their hard work and dedication.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

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

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

In daily conversation, people use get down more often than get down on. This is because get down is used for more physical actions such as getting off a chair or dancing. Get down on is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about expressing negative opinions about someone or something. So, while both phrases are used, get down is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Get down 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 down and get down on

The tone of get down and get down on can differ based on context. Get down often carries a playful or energetic tone when related to dancing or physical activities, while get down on typically has a critical or negative tone, especially when referring to expressing disapproval or criticism.

get down & get down on: Synonyms and Antonyms

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