Mastering ‘Get down to’ for IELTS Success: Essential Phrasal Verb Guide

1. Definition and Explanation

The phrasal verb “get down to” is a crucial expression for IELTS candidates to master. It primarily means to start doing something seriously or with great effort, especially after a delay or period of preparation.

Key meanings:

1. To begin working on something seriously
2. To focus on the most important aspects of a task
3. To start discussing the main points of a topic

Synonyms: begin, commence, start tackling, address

2. Usage in Context

“Get down to” is versatile and can be used in various situations, both formal and informal:

• Formal: “It’s time we got down to discussing the project timeline.”
• Informal: “Let’s get down to business and plan this party!”
• Writing: “The committee finally got down to addressing the budget concerns.”
• Speaking: “After procrastinating all morning, I finally got down to studying for my exam.”

Professionals getting down to business in a meeting

3. Grammar Analysis

“Get down to” is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning no words can be inserted between “get” and “down to.”

Structure: Subject + get down to + gerund/noun

Example:

• Correct: “We need to get down to planning the event.”
• Incorrect: “We need to get planning down to the event.”

4. Application in IELTS

In Speaking:

Using “get down to” can demonstrate your command of idiomatic English, potentially boosting your vocabulary score.

Sample answer for “Describe a time when you had to complete an important task”:

“Last semester, I had a crucial research paper due. After gathering all my resources, I knew I had to get down to writing it. I set aside a whole weekend to really get down to the task, focusing intensely on crafting a well-structured argument.”

In Writing:

While “get down to” is more common in spoken English, it can be used effectively in less formal writing tasks or when reporting speech.

Task 1 example: “The graph shows that after a period of planning, the company got down to implementing the new strategy in Q3.”

Task 2 example: “Many argue that governments need to get down to tackling climate change more seriously, rather than just discussing it.”

5. Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Get to (verb) /ɡɛt tuː/: To start doing something
   Example: “Let’s get to work on this project.”

2. Get off /ɡɛt ɒf/: To start or begin (often used with activities)
   Example: “We need to get off to an early start tomorrow.”

3. Buckle down /ˈbʌk.əl daʊn/: To start working hard
   Example: “It’s time to buckle down and finish this report.”

4. Knuckle down /ˈnʌk.əl daʊn/: To apply oneself seriously to a task
   Example: “If you want to pass the exam, you’ll have to knuckle down and study.”

5. Get away /ɡɛt əˈweɪ/: To escape or leave (opposite of getting down to work)
   Example: “I can’t wait to get away for a vacation after this project.”

6. Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks:

1. After the coffee break, it’s time to __ __ __ the main issues.
2. We’ve been procrastinating all day. Let’s __ __ __ our homework now.
3. The new manager wants to __ __ __ improving efficiency immediately.
4. Once you __ __ __ writing, you’ll find it easier to continue.
5. It’s crucial that we __ __ __ solving this problem before it escalates.
6. The team needs to __ __ __ planning the event soon.
7. After the introductions, the speakers __ __ __ the main topic.
8. You need to __ __ __ studying if you want to pass the IELTS exam.
9. It’s high time the government __ __ __ addressing climate change.
10. Let’s __ __ __ brass tacks and discuss the budget.

Rewrite the sentences:

1. We should start working on the project seriously now.
   We should __.

2. It’s time to begin focusing on the most important aspects.
   It’s time to __.

3. They finally started tackling the main issues in the meeting.
   They finally __.

4. After the break, we need to commence our work earnestly.
   After the break, we need to __.

5. The students began concentrating on their studies after the holidays.
   The students __ after the holidays.

6. It’s essential to start addressing the problem immediately.
   It’s essential to __ immediately.

7. Let’s begin discussing the core matters of our business.
   Let’s __ of our business.

8. The committee started working seriously on the new policies.
   The committee __ on the new policies.

9. It’s about time we focused on the real issues at hand.
   It’s about time we __ at hand.

10. They need to start working diligently on their research paper.
    They need to __ their research paper.

Answers and Explanations:

Fill in the blanks:

1. get down to
2. get down to
3. get down to
4. get down to
5. get down to
6. get down to
7. got down to
8. get down to
9. got down to
10. get down to

Rewrite the sentences:

1. We should get down to working on the project now.
2. It’s time to get down to focusing on the most important aspects.
3. They finally got down to tackling the main issues in the meeting.
4. After the break, we need to get down to our work earnestly.
5. The students got down to concentrating on their studies after the holidays.
6. It’s essential to get down to addressing the problem immediately.
7. Let’s get down to discussing the core matters of our business.
8. The committee got down to working seriously on the new policies.
9. It’s about time we got down to the real issues at hand.
10. They need to get down to working diligently on their research paper.

Explanation: In each sentence, “get down to” is used to express the idea of starting to work seriously or focusing on the main aspects of a task. This phrasal verb effectively conveys the sense of dedication and concentration required in various professional and academic contexts.

7. Memory Tips

To remember “get down to,” visualize yourself physically getting down on your knees to start a task, emphasizing the idea of focusing and starting work seriously.

Another mnemonic: “GET DOWN TO = Genuinely Engaging The task, Dedicating Our Whole Notion TO it”

Person getting down to work at desk

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Adding words between “get” and “down to”
   Correct: “Let’s get down to business.”
   Incorrect: “Let’s get quickly down to business.”

2. Mistake: Using it for casual or leisurely activities
   Correct: “I need to get down to studying.”
   Incorrect: “I need to get down to watching TV.”

3. Mistake: Confusing it with “get down”
   “Get down” means to descend or to dance, while “get down to” means to start working seriously.

Tip: Always use “get down to” when you want to express starting a serious or important task, not for casual activities.

9. Conclusion

Mastering the phrasal verb “get down to” is crucial for IELTS success. It demonstrates a higher level of English proficiency and can significantly enhance your speaking and writing scores. Remember to practice using it in various contexts, and don’t hesitate to incorporate it into your IELTS responses where appropriate. By getting down to using this phrasal verb effectively, you’re taking a significant step towards achieving your desired IELTS score.

For more insights on improving your IELTS vocabulary, check out our guide on how to track down other useful phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions.