Phrasal verb
come on
Meanings
to encourage or urge someone to do something, agree, or hurry
to express disbelief, impatience, or annoyance about what someone said or did
to start working or functioning (for a device, light, or system)
Definition
“Come on” is used to encourage someone to act, agree, or hurry.
“Come on” is a common spoken phrase used to push someone to do something, to show impatience, or to express disbelief. It can also be used to encourage someone when they feel unsure. The tone depends on context and can be friendly, playful, or annoyed.
Examples
- Come on, we’re going to miss the train.
- Come on, you can do it—just try once more.
- Come on, that excuse doesn’t make any sense.
- I pressed the button a few times, and the screen finally came on.
Common mistake
Learners often use “come on” when they mean “come in” (enter a place) or “get on” (board a bus/train).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.