get down

USAGE SUMMARY

"get down" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used in informal contexts and is typically used to urge someone to descend lower, to descend quickly, or to pay attention and take action. Example: "Get down! There's a tornado coming!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Get down!

The New York Times

"Let's not get down.

The New York Times

"Get down!" I yelled.

The New Yorker

Get down there, Jonathan.

The New Yorker

Get down and do it.

The New Yorker

Let's get down and dirty.

The New Yorker

Don't get down.

The New Yorker

Get down lower.

The Guardian - Arts

Get down, man.

The New York Times - Sports

Get Down On It!

The Guardian - Music

You then get down.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get down" to mean 'start dancing', ensure the context makes this meaning clear, as it can also mean 'become depressed' or 'descend'.

Common error

Avoid using "get down" in formal writing without considering the potential for misinterpretation. Opt for more precise alternatives like "descend", "begin", or "record" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get down" functions as an idiomatic expression with multiple meanings depending on context, ranging from a literal instruction to descend to a figurative expression indicating focused effort or uninhibited enjoyment. Ludwig examples illustrate the versatility of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get down" is a versatile idiom with multiple meanings, ranging from a literal instruction to descend to figurative expressions of focus or enjoyment. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is generally informal, although context dictates appropriate interpretation. It is a common phrase in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, consider the potential for misinterpretation and choose more precise alternatives if needed to avoid ambiguity in formal settings. Overall, while "get down" is correct and usable in written English, careful attention to context is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take cover

Similar to using "get down" as a warning to avoid danger.

descend

Refers to the act of moving downwards, similar to one meaning of "get down".

be dispirited

Captures the feeling of being discouraged or depressed, which is one meaning of "get down".

concentrate

Implies focusing one's attention, mirroring the "get down to business" usage.

start dancing

Highlights the meaning related to dancing with enthusiasm.

alight

Suggests dismounting or coming down from something.

relax and enjoy

Captures the sense of uninhibited enjoyment often associated with "get down".

begin

Relates to the 'get down to business' meaning of commencing an activity.

record

Focuses on the meaning of writing something down, like taking notes.

swallow

Captures the literal sense of ingesting something.

FAQs

How can I use "get down" in a sentence?

You can use "get down" in many ways: to tell someone to lower themselves quickly for safety, as in "Get down, there's a shooter!"; to mean start something seriously, as in "Let's "get down to business""; or to mean dance enthusiastically.

What does it mean to "get down" to something?

To "get down" to something generally means to start doing it seriously and with focus, especially after a period of delay or distraction. It implies a shift towards dedicated effort.

Which is the correct way to use "get down" in a sentence, as a literal or figurative phrase?

The correctness depends on the context. Literally, "get down" means to descend. Figuratively, it can mean to start something with focus, to enjoy oneself, or to depress someone. For example: "Get down from there!" (literal); "Let's "get down to work"" (figurative).

What are some situations where it's inappropriate to use "get down"?

Avoid using "get down" in formal settings or when addressing someone in a position of authority unless the context is very clear. For example, telling a superior to "get down on it" might be misconstrued as disrespectful or overly familiar.