What are the definitions of “come down to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To ultimately be determined by.
In the end, it all comes down to who wants the job the most.
- 2To be ultimately about or depend on.
It all comes down to the problem with power.
- 3To be reduced or simplified to.
This all makes sense when one realizes that the whole cholesterol problem probably comes down to a metabolic deficiency.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come down to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come down to is to be ultimately determined by or depend on something. It is often used to describe the final deciding factor or the main point of a situation.
What are the different verb forms of “come down to”?
| Root Verb | come down to |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes down to |
| Present Participle | coming down to |
| Simple Past | came down to |
| Past Participle | come down to |
Example
In the end, it all comes down to who wants the job the most.
Example
The decision comes down to the quality of their work.
Example
The competition is coming down to the final round.
Example
It came down to the last minute before they made a decision.
Example
The choice has come down to these two options.
What kind of phrasal verb is “come down to”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“come down to” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The decision comes down to the quality of their work.
Example
The competition is coming down to the final round.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“come down to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The decision comes down to the quality of their work.
Example
The competition is coming down to the final round.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “come down to”?
Good things to know
Does “come down to” have an informal or formal tone?
Come down to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
