Meaning trap
get along
manage or progress
To deal with a situation or continue doing something, especially when things are difficult.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To deal with a situation or continue doing something, especially when things are difficult.
Another meaning of 'get along' is 'have a good relationship'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- How are you getting along with your new job?work
- I think I’m getting along quite well in my university courses, although some subjects are more challenging than others.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: get along (with/in/on something)
WrongI'm getting along good without a car.
RightI'm getting along fine without a car. / managing fine.
Use 'fine/well', not 'good'; this sense means 'managing'.
Patternget along (with/in/on something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Get along with' (a task) is the natural way to ask about progress; 'progressing with the assignment' is stiffer.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
get along (without/with)finewithout itsomehowwell enough
Don't confuse it
Different from 'get by', which means to survive with little; 'get along' focuses more on progress or coping.
Related
- get along (have a good relationship) — Another meaning of 'get along' is 'have a good relationship'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.