heytardy
Log inGet started

come along — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
come along
go somewhere with someonemake progress

Meaning 1 · most common

go somewhere with someone

  • come along with sb
A couple with beach bags wave a boy out of the house, and he runs to join them with his bucket and spade.

to go somewhere with someone, often when they invite you or as part of a group.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

We're going to the park later—do you want to come along?

A: I'm heading to the new café after work. Want to come along?
B: Sure, I'd love to!

Common mistake

Not: Do you want to come along with to the cinema?

Say: Do you want to come along to the cinema? / ...come along with us?

'Come along' alone, or 'come along WITH us' — don't leave 'with' dangling.

More on “go somewhere with someone”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I have to attend a social event, I usually ask a friend to come along so I don't feel awkward.

Tell it apart

Come along with us tonight.

  • join us

Come round to mine tonight.

  • come to my place

Goes with

  • come along (to)
Practice saying this
Next meaning: make progress

Meaning 2

make progress

to make progress or develop in a positive way.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

My English is really coming along since I started taking extra classes.

A: How's your new app coming along?
B: It's going well—we should finish it next month.

Common mistake

Not: How is your thesis coming along with?

Say: How is your thesis coming along?

'Come along' stands alone here — no 'with'.

More on “make progress”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

The construction of the new library is coming along much faster than expected, which is great for the community.

Tell it apart

The garden's coming along nicely.

  • making good progress

The garden's coming up nicely.

  • the plants are sprouting

Goes with

  • come along (nicely)
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which one is it?

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick a meaning and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

go somewhere with someonemake progress