What does the phrasal verb “get down to” mean?

What are the definitions of “get down to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 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.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get down to”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get down to is to start working seriously on a task or project. It is often used when someone needs to focus on something important or when they have been procrastinating and need to begin working.

What are the different verb forms of “get down to”?

Root Verb	get down to
Third Person Singular Present	gets down to
Present Participle	getting down to
Simple Past	got down to
Past Participle	gotten 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.

Example

He is getting down to studying for his final exams.

Example

Yesterday, they got down to cleaning the house.

Example

They had gotten down to business as soon as the meeting started.

What kind of phrasal verb is “get down to”?

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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

“get 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

It's time to get down to work.

Example

She got down to studying for her exams.

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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

“get 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

It's time to get down to work.

Example

She got down to studying for her exams.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get down to”?

Get down to business

Start focusing on the main task or purpose of a meeting or discussion.

Example

After the introductions, the team got down to business and discussed the project.

Get down to brass tacks

Start discussing the essential aspects or practical details of a situation.

Example

We need to get down to brass tacks and figure out how to solve this problem.

Get down to the nitty-gritty

Start dealing with the most important or basic aspects of a situation.

Example

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and discuss the details of the plan.

Good things to know

Does “get down to” have an informal or formal tone?

Get down to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in professional settings, such as meetings or discussions about work or projects.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “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