come along: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “come along” mean?
An imperative phrase encouraging someone to hurry or accompany the speaker.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An imperative phrase encouraging someone to hurry or accompany the speaker.
A phrase used to urge someone to move faster, to follow, or to participate in something happening now. Can also denote an invitation to join an activity or trip.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. "Come along" as a command is slightly more characteristic of British English (BrE) speech, while American English (AmE) might favor "Come on" or "Let's go" in the same contexts.
Connotations
In BrE, can sound slightly old-fashioned or characteristic of certain social groups (e.g., nannies, teachers). In AmE, may sound polite, slightly formal, or theatrical.
Frequency
More frequent in BrE than in AmE, though understood in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “come along” in a Sentence
Imperative + (adverb of manner) + (with + NP)Imperative + (now)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “come along” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Come along, Charles, we'll miss the last train.
- The coach shouted, 'Come along, lads, put some effort in!'
American English
- Come along, kids, the movie's about to start.
- She said, 'Oh, come along, you're being ridiculous.'
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; considered too informal/direct for most business commands.
Academic
Virtually unused in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Common in informal speech, especially when urging children, friends, or family.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “come along”
- Using it in formal writing as a directive.
- Using 'come along' as a statement instead of an imperative (e.g., 'He comes along' is correct but means 'he accompanies', not the command).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can sound impatient or patronising if used with adults in equal standing. With children or in familiar contexts, it's generally neutral or mildly催促.
'Come on' is more versatile and common, used for encouragement ('Come on, you can do it!'), disbelief ('Oh, come on!'), or as a simple hurry-up. 'Come along' is almost exclusively a command/invitation to physically accompany or hurry.
Yes, but with a different meaning. 'He came along with us' means he accompanied us. The imperative sense ('hurry up') does not have a past tense form.
It is written as two separate words: 'come along'.
An imperative phrase encouraging someone to hurry or accompany the speaker.
Come along is usually informal in register.
Come along: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkʌm əˈlɒŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkʌm əˈlɔːŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Come along for the ride”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a teacher leading a line of children: 'Come along, children!' The 'along' suggests moving together in a line.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS PROGRESS (Hurry up so we can progress forward)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Come along' LEAST appropriate?