get along
C2 (Very High)Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To have a harmonious, friendly, and cooperative relationship with someone.
To manage or cope, often in a satisfactory way (e.g., 'get along without something'); also used to indicate departure or moving on ('We should get along now').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily phrasal verb. When used with people, it implies mutual tolerance and lack of conflict, not necessarily deep friendship. When used for managing/coping, it often implies a degree of scarcity or difficulty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the sense of 'leave/depart', 'get along' is somewhat archaic in American English, where 'get going' is more common. In British English, 'get along' in this sense is still heard, though informal. The phrase 'get along with you!' as an expression of playful disbelief is more strongly British.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary interpersonal meaning is identical. The 'manage/cope' sense is equally common.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both dialects for the interpersonal meaning. Slightly higher relative frequency of the 'depart' sense in UK English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SUBJ + get along + with + OBJ (person)SUBJ + get along + ADV (well/fine)SUBJ + get along + without + OBJ (thing)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get along with you! (expression of disbelief)”
- “Get along, little dogie. (US cowboy expression)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe good working relationships between colleagues or departments (e.g., 'The teams need to get along for the project to succeed').
Academic
Rare in formal writing; may appear in sociological or psychological texts discussing interpersonal dynamics.
Everyday
Very common in descriptions of family, friend, neighbour, and colleague relationships.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Do you get along with your new flatmates?
- We'll have to get along without the car this weekend.
- It's late, we really must get along.
American English
- She gets along really well with her boss.
- Can you get along on less income?
- We should get going, it's a long drive.
adverb
British English
- N/A
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- They are a very well-get-along couple. (Extremely rare/constructed)
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My sister and I get along.
- The children get along well.
- He doesn't get along with his neighbour.
- We can get along without a television.
- Despite their political differences, they get along famously.
- The company is getting along fine despite the economic challenges.
- The two departments have historically failed to get along, hindering innovation.
- She has an uncanny ability to get along with even the most difficult clients.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two people walking ALONG a path together comfortably — they GET ALONG.
Conceptual Metaphor
HARMONY AS PROXIMITY / SUCCESSFUL LIVING AS MOVING FORWARD (the 'manage' sense).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'поладить' which implies an initial act of establishing rapport; 'get along' describes an ongoing state. The 'manage' sense ('get along without money') is closer to 'обходиться'.
Common Mistakes
- *I get along my brother. (Missing 'with')
- *We are get along. (Confusion with adjective 'getting along' or state verb)
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'We'll just have to get along without an internet connection tonight,' what does 'get along' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is neutral to informal. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'have a harmonious relationship' or 'cooperate well' might be preferred.
They are synonymous in the interpersonal sense ('get on with someone'). 'Get on' is more common in UK English. 'Get along' is used in both UK and US English and is more common for the 'manage/cope' sense.
Not directly for the relationship meaning. You cannot say 'The ideas get along.' However, you can use it for managing without things: 'I can get along with very little sleep.'
'Don't/doesn't get along' or 'get along badly/poorly.' For example: 'The two politicians don't get along at all.'