SpeakUp

Grammar fix

boil down to

be the main point

To mean the most important or basic reason for something; to be the main point.

phrasal verbB2common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • In the end, the problem boils down to a lack of communication.daily life
  • When choosing a university, it often boils down to location and cost.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: boil down to + noun/gerund

WrongIt boils down on cost.

RightIt boils down to cost.

'Boil down TO something', not 'on'.

Patternboil down to + noun/gerund

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The fundamental crux of the matter ultimately reduces to one factor.

Natural It all boils down to money.

'Fundamental crux... reduces to' is wordy; 'boils down to' is the natural idiom.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • boil down to + essence
    toit allreallyessentially

Don't confuse it

Not about cooking; it’s about summarizing the main idea.

Try it in Daily Speak →