Phrasal verbs "get down to" vs "get above"

Differences between get down to and get above

Get above usually means to surpass or exceed a certain level or standard, whereas get down to generally means to start doing something seriously or with focus.

Meanings and Definitions: get down to vs get above

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

Get above

• 1. Behave as if you are better or more important than others.

  She's been GETTING ABOVE HERSELF since she got promoted. ( This is normally used in progressive forms and followed by a reflexive pronoun, though' get above your station' is also used. )

Usage Examples: get down to, get above in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

get above

Example

He shouldn't get above his friends just because he got a new job.

Example

She gets above her colleagues when she receives praise from the boss.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get down to

get to work

To start working on a task or project.

Example

We need to get to work on this report before the deadline.

get cracking

To start working on something quickly and efficiently.

Example

We only have an hour left, so let's get cracking on this project.

get serious

To start taking something seriously and with focus.

Example

It's time to get serious about studying for the exam next week.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get above

rise above

To surpass or overcome a difficult situation or challenge.

Example

She was able to rise above the criticism and negativity to achieve her goals.

go beyond

To exceed or surpass a certain level or expectation.

Example

The company's profits went beyond their initial projections for the quarter.

outdo oneself

To surpass one's own previous achievements or accomplishments.

Example

After winning the championship last year, she was determined to outdo herself this year and break a new record.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “get”

• get out
• get back to
• get it on with
• get on with
• get up

Phrasal Verbs with “down to”

• strip down to
• boil down to
• put down to
• come down to
• go down to

Phrasal Verbs with “above”

• rise above

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

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

In daily conversation, people use get down to more often than get above. This is because get down to is used for more common situations such as starting work or focusing on a task. Get above is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about exceeding expectations or standards. So, while both phrases are used, get down to is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Get above and get down to 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 to and get above

The tone of get above and get down to can differ based on context. Get above often carries a positive or ambitious tone when related to exceeding expectations or standards, while get down to typically has a serious and focused tone, especially when referring to starting work or a task.

get down to & get above: Synonyms and Antonyms

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

Get above

Synonyms

• act arrogantly
• behave haughtily
• be condescending
• be pretentious
• be snobbish
• look down on others

Antonyms

• be humble
• show humility
• be modest
• treat others equally
• respect others
• be down-to-earth