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get down — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
get down
make someone sadwrite downenjoy oneself

Meaning 1 · most common

make someone sad

  • get sb down
A woman sits at a window with her chin on her hand, looking sadly out at a heavy rain cloud.

To make someone feel sad, disappointed, or less happy.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Rainy weather always gets me down.

A: You seem a bit quiet today. Everything okay?
B: Yeah, just the exam results got me down.

Common mistake

Not: Don't let it get down you.

Say: Don't let it get you down.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'get you down'.

More on “make someone sad”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Sometimes, too much stress at work can really get people down and affect their motivation.

Tell it apart

All this rain is getting me down.

  • making me sad

Let's get down to work.

  • start focusing on it

Goes with

  • get + person + down
Practice saying this
Next meaning: write down

Meaning 2

write down

  • get sth down

To write something on paper or type it so you don't forget.

How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I need to get your phone number down before I forget.

A: Wait, can you repeat that address?
B: Sure, let me say it slowly so you can get it down.

Common mistake

Not: Did you get down it?

Say: Did you get it down?

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'get it down'.

More on “write down”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During lectures, it's important to get down the main points so you can review them later.

Tell it apart

Quick, get the number down before you forget.

  • write it down

Let's get down to the figures.

  • start focusing on them

Goes with

  • get + notes + down
Practice saying this
Next meaning: enjoy oneself

Meaning 3

enjoy oneself

slang

  • get down to sth
  • informal

To dance energetically or enjoy oneself enthusiastically, especially at a party or social event; to let loose and have fun (informal, often used in reference to music or dancing).

How oftenRare
LevelC2
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Everyone was really getting down on the dance floor when the DJ played that old-school track.

A: How was the party last night?
B: Amazing! We really got down and danced until 3 a.m.

Common mistake

Not: Let's get down ourselves at the club.

Say: Let's get down at the club.

'Get down' (this sense) is intransitive — no reflexive.

More on “enjoy oneself”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

While some people prefer quiet gatherings, others love to get down at lively parties, enjoying the music and atmosphere to the fullest.

Tell it apart

They were really getting down at the party.

  • dancing / having fun

They got down to work after lunch.

  • started focusing

Goes with

  • get down (dance)
Practice saying this
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make someone sadwrite downenjoy oneself