to get to the bottom of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to get to the bottom of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the process of discovering the truth or understanding the underlying reasons behind a situation or problem. Example: "The detective worked tirelessly to get to the bottom of the mysterious case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We're going to get to the bottom of it.

Independent

We have to get to the bottom of what happened.

Independent

"We have to get to the bottom of it.

The New Yorker

We just want to get to the bottom of it.

The New Yorker

"I'm going to get to the bottom of this.

The New Yorker

"We need to get to the bottom of what happened".

The New York Times

We are trying to get to the bottom of this".

The Guardian

"We definitely need to get to the bottom of this".

The New York Times

Winerip: Trying to get to the bottom of it.

The New York Times - Magazine

We need to get to the bottom of that".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We're trying to get to the bottom of something.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to get to the bottom of", ensure the context clearly indicates what problem, mystery, or situation you are trying to understand. Provide enough background information for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to get to the bottom of" for trivial matters. This phrase implies a significant effort to uncover hidden or complex information. Overusing it in simple situations can sound exaggerated or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to get to the bottom of" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating an intention or effort to thoroughly investigate and understand a situation or problem. Ludwig AI highlights numerous examples from various contexts, reinforcing its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "to get to the bottom of" signifies a determined effort to investigate and fully understand a matter. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, to express a commitment to uncovering the truth. While its register is generally neutral, more formal contexts might warrant more precise terminology. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and the situation merits a thorough investigation, avoiding overuse in trivial matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to uncover the truth

This alternative focuses directly on revealing the factual information, emphasizing the act of discovery.

to find out the facts

This alternative is straightforward, highlighting the act of obtaining specific details related to an event or situation.

to investigate thoroughly

This suggests a detailed and systematic examination of a situation, highlighting the process rather than the result.

to delve into the matter

This alternative emphasizes a deep and careful exploration of a subject or issue.

to explore the issue

This suggests a broad examination of all aspects of a problem or situation.

to look into the matter

This is a more casual way of saying to investigate or examine a situation.

to ascertain the cause

This focuses specifically on determining the reason or origin of something, often a problem.

to determine the reason

This emphasizes the act of finding out why something happened or is happening.

to solve the mystery

This alternative frames the situation as a puzzle, with the goal of finding a solution.

to resolve the issue

This focuses on finding a solution or end to a problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "to get to the bottom of" when you want to express the need to investigate and understand the true cause or nature of something. For example, "The journalist was determined to get to the bottom of the scandal."

What can I say instead of "to get to the bottom of"?

You can use alternatives like "to uncover the truth", "to investigate thoroughly", or "to determine the reason" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to "get to the bottom of" every issue?

While understanding the root cause of problems is often beneficial, it's not always necessary or efficient to "get to the bottom of" every single issue. Sometimes, a quick fix or workaround may be more practical, especially for minor or temporary problems.

What's the difference between "to get to the bottom of" and "to scratch the surface"?

"To get to the bottom of" implies a thorough investigation to find the root cause, whereas "to scratch the surface" suggests only a superficial examination, lacking depth and detail.