Get to the bottom of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Get to the bottom of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the process of investigating or understanding the true nature of a situation or problem. Example: "The detective worked tirelessly to get to the bottom of things regarding the mysterious disappearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He wanted to get to the bottom of things".

The New York Times

But in this story, Francis is resolutely determined to get to the bottom of things.

The New Yorker

There is something almost autistic about Mr. Morris's need to get to the bottom of things.

The New York Times - Books

Grumpy but grateful for the distraction, Easy determines to get to the bottom of things.

The New York Times - Books

"They're trying to do the right thing now, trying to get to the bottom of things".

The New York Times

By letting yourself go you somehow get to the bottom of things".

The Guardian

Sir Alred is determined to get to the bottom of things.

The New York Times - Books

That's another piece of advice: sit down and get to the bottom of things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. D'Amato said that he expects Mr. Zarb to get to the bottom of things.

The New York Times

"I found I liked to get to the bottom of things," he recalled.

The New Yorker

The lottery investigator teamed up with a Vacaville detective to get to the bottom of things.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Get to the bottom of things" when you want to convey a sense of thorough investigation and discovery. It's suitable in contexts where uncovering the underlying truth is the goal.

Common error

Avoid using "Get to the bottom of things" when a simple explanation or solution is sufficient. This phrase implies a deeper, more complex investigation is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Get to the bottom of things" functions as an idiomatic expression. Based on examples from Ludwig, it commonly acts as a verbal phrase indicating an intention or effort to discover the underlying truth or cause of a situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Get to the bottom of things" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that signifies a commitment to thoroughly investigate and understand the true nature of a situation. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a neutral register, alternative phrases such as "uncover the truth" or "determine the cause" can offer a more formal tone. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for scenarios requiring in-depth exploration, avoiding its application in simple or superficial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Get to the root of the problem

Focuses on identifying the fundamental cause of an issue.

Uncover the truth

Focuses on revealing hidden information or facts.

Find out the truth

Emphasizes the act of discovering factual information.

Determine the cause

Highlights the act of establishing the reason behind something.

Investigate the matter

Focuses on a formal inquiry or examination.

Look into the situation

Emphasizes examination and evaluation.

Ascertain the facts

Highlights establishing factual accuracy and confirmation.

Delve into the matter

Indicates a thorough and detailed exploration.

Crack the case

Implies solving a complex or mysterious problem.

Solve the mystery

Highlights the resolution of an unknown or unexplained situation.

FAQs

How can I use "Get to the bottom of things" in a sentence?

You can use "Get to the bottom of things" to describe the process of discovering the truth, like: "The journalist was determined to get to the bottom of things regarding the scandal."

What does it mean to "Get to the bottom of things"?

To "Get to the bottom of things" means to investigate and discover the underlying truth or cause of a situation, especially when it's complex or hidden.

What can I say instead of "Get to the bottom of things"?

You can use alternatives like "uncover the truth", "determine the cause", or "get to the root of the problem" depending on the context.

Is "Get to the bottom of things" a formal expression?

"Get to the bottom of things" is considered a neutral to slightly informal expression. While widely understood, more formal contexts might benefit from phrases like "investigate the matter" or "ascertain the facts".