SpeakUp

Meaning trap

come along

make progress

to make progress or develop in a positive way.

phrasal verbB2common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

make progress

to make progress or develop in a positive way.

come along (go somewhere with someone)

Another meaning of 'come along' is 'go somewhere with someone'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

View meaning map

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • My English is really coming along since I started taking extra classes.study
  • The construction of the new library is coming along much faster than expected, which is great for the community.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: come along

WrongHow is your thesis coming along with?

RightHow is your thesis coming along?

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

Patterncome along

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The project is developing in a satisfactory manner.

Natural The project's coming along nicely.

'Come along' is the natural verb for something progressing well; 'developing in a satisfactory manner' is a report phrase.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • come along (nicely)
    nicelywellslowlyhow's it

Don't confuse it

'Come along' here is about improvement, not about physically going somewhere.

Try it in Daily Speak →