# get down to

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/get-down-to
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to start doing something seriously or give it your full attention.

For teachers: to begin to direct one's efforts or attention towards a specific task or topic, often after a period of delay or socialising.

## Examples

- Let's get down to business.
- After we finished our coffee and caught up on news, we finally got down to studying for the exam.
- The committee spent an hour debating the agenda before they could get down to the actual task of budget allocation.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We got down to work on the project." but "We got down to working on the project." — if using a verb after 'to', it must be in the -ing form because 'to' is a preposition here, not part of an infinitive.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).
- Teaching tip: contrast this with 'get to' (reach a destination) to show how 'down' adds a sense of focus and seriousness to the action.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.