Meaning trap

get down

write down

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

phrasal verbB2occasional

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

write down

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

get down (make someone sad)

Another meaning of 'get down' is 'make someone sad'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

I need to get your phone number down before I forget.study
During lectures, it's important to get down the main points so you can review them later.IELTS speaking

Pattern: get sth down

WrongDid you get down it?

RightDid you get it down?

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

Patternget sth down

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I attempted to transcribe everything she said.

Natural I tried to get it all down.

'Get it down' is the natural verb for writing fast; 'transcribe everything she said' implies formal recording.

Words that usually travel with it.

Different from 'get down to' (start doing something seriously) or 'get down' (make sad).

get down (make someone sad) — Another meaning of 'get down' is 'make someone sad'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.