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Phrasal verb

come along

phrasal verb
UK /kʌm əˈlɒŋ/
US /kʌm əˈlɔŋ/

Meanings

phrasal verb

to go with someone to a place or activity

come along: to go with someone to a place or activity
phrasal verb

to arrive or appear, especially when expected

come along: to arrive or appear, especially when expected
phrasal verb

to make progress or develop (often used in questions)

come along: to make progress or develop (often used in questions)

Definition

Come along means to go with someone or to arrive at a place, often after being invited or expected.

If you come along with someone, you go with them to a place or activity. If something or someone comes along, they arrive or appear, sometimes later than expected. It can also mean that something is making progress or developing in a good way, especially in questions like “How’s it coming along?”

Examples

  • I’ll come along to the museum if you still have an extra ticket.
  • Are you coming along to the picnic on Saturday?
  • He didn’t come along until the meeting was almost over.
  • A better idea came along while she was taking a walk.
  • How is your new painting coming along?

Common mistake

Learners often confuse “come along” (go with/arrive/progress) with “come around” (change opinion or visit).