get down to the core

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get down to the core" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to focus on the most important or fundamental aspect of a topic or issue. Example: "Let's get down to the core of the problem and find a solution that works for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"You might get down to the core group that actually likes finance, and lose people who are coming just for the money," says David S. Resnick, co-head of investment banking at Rothschild in the United States.

The New York Times

"It allowed us to be more focused on his natural strengths, on what I think his real appeal can be, and, you know, sometimes when you lose, you kind of have to strip things away and get down to the core".

The New York Times

But just in case you want to get down to the core issues here, and don't feel like wading through article after article, I thought I'd just tell you about it, to your face.

TechCrunch

– "If it is employees then surely they would get down to the core few who will go with the idea and surely the other stuff can be bootstrapped?!" – "Spending cash on 12 employees and two excellent but premium-rate web agencies at such an early stage doesn't make sense to me".

TechCrunch

One tends to get down to the core of what one wants to say about life, and I do really feel privileged to have been able to do that with all the artists I've wanted to work with.

Vice

For your next meeting, get down to the core of it all.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It got down to the core people," Burke recalls.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Shilpa navigates and gets down to the core of an idea".

The New York Times - Arts

After his glossary, Lanham gets down to the "core elements of hipsterdom".

The New York Times - Books

With their introductory public statements the two leaders spotlighted the immediate problems that divide the two sides, even before this latest bid for an Israeli-Palestinian deal gets down to the core issues of borders, the return of refugees and the status of Jerusalem that must be part of any final settlement.

Independent

"I think that we're doing a good job in all the stories of getting down to the core of what makes the show work... making it much more home-based in the lives of these people," Arnett said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get down to the core" when you want to emphasize focusing on the most important aspects of a topic, especially after discussing less relevant details. It signals a shift to essential elements.

Common error

Avoid using "get down to the core" if you are only skimming the surface of a topic. This phrase implies a thorough analysis and understanding of the fundamental elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get down to the core" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate a shift in focus towards the most essential or fundamental aspects of a topic or issue. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize the importance of addressing the core elements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get down to the core" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that directs attention to the most essential aspects of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and real-world examples demonstrate its prevalence across news, wiki, and scientific contexts. While versatile, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain settings. To ensure effective communication, use "get down to the core" to emphasize fundamental elements, while avoiding its use in superficial analyses. By understanding its communicative purpose and considering related phrases, writers can effectively leverage this expression in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus on the essentials

This alternative is shorter and more direct, emphasizing the act of focusing on what is essential.

concentrate on the fundamentals

Similar to focusing on the essentials, this variant highlights the basic principles or building blocks.

zero in on the key aspects

This option highlights the act of precisely targeting the most important elements.

address the crux of the matter

This alternative uses more formal language, replacing "get down" with "address" and "core" with "crux".

consider the key issues

This alternative focuses on the act of giving thought to the primary issues at hand.

boil down to the main point

This alternative suggests simplifying a complex issue to its most basic component.

delve into the heart of the matter

This option suggests a more in-depth exploration of the issue's central point.

distill to its essence

This is a more sophisticated way of saying to reduce something to its most pure and important form.

get to the bottom of things

This alternative suggests uncovering the truth or the real reason behind something.

examine the root cause

This phrase implies a search for the underlying origin of a problem or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "get down to the core" in a sentence?

You can use "get down to the core" to indicate a shift in focus towards the most essential aspects of a topic. For example, "Let's stop discussing the minor details and "get down to the core" of the issue."

What are some alternatives to "get down to the core"?

Alternatives include "focus on the essentials", "address the crux of the matter", or "delve into the heart of the matter". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "get down to the core" in formal writing?

While "get down to the core" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "address the crux of the matter" or "focus on the fundamentals" might be preferred in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "get down to the core" and "get to the point"?

"Get to the point" simply means to be direct and avoid unnecessary details. "Get down to the core", on the other hand, implies a more in-depth analysis and a focus on the most fundamental or essential aspects of a subject.