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get along — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings
  1. 1 have a good relationshipTo have a friendly or harmonious relationship with someone.
  2. 2 manage or progressTo deal with a situation or continue doing something, especially when things are difficult.
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1

have a good relationship

B1get along with sbspokenMost common

To have a friendly or harmonious relationship with someone.

I get along really well with my older brother.

A: Do you get along with your new roommate?
B: Yeah, she's great. We have a lot in common.

In my opinion, it's important to get along with your colleagues because it makes the workplace more enjoyable and productive.

Common mistake

I get along very well with him each other.

We get along very well.

'Get along' is already reciprocal — don't add 'each other'.

Tell it apart

Do you get along with your sister?

have a good relationship

How are you getting along with the report?

making progress on it
Use 'get along with' to talk about how well people relate to each other, especially in families, at work, or with friends.Not the same as 'get on' (in British English, 'get on' can mean the same, but 'get along' is more common in American English for this meaning).

Often paired with

get along (with)
2

manage or progress

B2get along with/in/on sth

To deal with a situation or continue doing something, especially when things are difficult.

How are you getting along with your new job?

A: How's your project going?
B: I'm getting along, but it's taking longer than I expected.

I think I’m getting along quite well in my university courses, although some subjects are more challenging than others.

Common mistake

I'm getting along good without a car.

I'm getting along fine without a car. / managing fine.

Use 'fine/well', not 'good'; this sense means 'managing'.

Tell it apart

We're getting along fine without him.

managing okay

We get along fine with him.

have a good relationship
Use this sense to talk about how you are managing or progressing, often in work, study, or daily life.Different from 'get by', which means to survive with little; 'get along' focuses more on progress or coping.

Often paired with

get along (without/with)

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