Grammar fix
nail down
finalise/agree on something precisely
to make something certain or definite, especially after discussing or negotiating details; to agree on the exact details of something
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
We still need to nail down the exact date for the conference before we can send out invitations.
In my opinion, it's important to nail down the main points of your essay before you start writing, as it helps you stay focused and organised.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Let's nail down on a date.
Say: Let's nail down a date.
'Nail down' takes the object directly — no 'on'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Nail down' is the natural business verb for pinning specifics; the formal version is wordy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
nail down + specifics
- the details
- a date
- the budget
- exactly what