come on

USAGE SUMMARY

"Come on" is a valid phrase to use in written English and is typically used to motivate someone to keep going, do something, or hurry.
For example: "Come on, if we hurry we can still make it in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Come on, come on.

The New York Times

"Oh, come on, come on!

The New Yorker

He said, "Come on, Max — come on!

The New Yorker

Come on, come on," Lemaire said.

The New York Times - Sports

Come on, Arlene.

Independent

Come on, think.

The New Yorker

"Come on," he added.

The New York Times

Come on, Kelli.

The New Yorker

"Come on," Armitage growled.

The New Yorker

"Come on, try me".

The New York Times

"Come on, then".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come on" to inject a sense of urgency or encouragement into your writing. For example, "Come on, we're running late!" or "Come on, you can do it!"

Common error

Avoid using "come on" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can sound too casual. Opt for more professional alternatives depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come on" functions primarily as an interjection, used to express a range of emotions including encouragement, impatience, or disbelief. Ludwig shows its versatility in various contexts, from urging someone forward to expressing skepticism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come on" is a versatile interjection used to express a range of emotions and intentions. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, especially in news and media. While suitable for informal contexts, it's advisable to use alternatives in formal or academic writing to maintain a professional tone. Remember to consider the context and your intended audience when using "come on" to ensure your message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurry up

This alternative is a direct command to move faster, expressing urgency.

let's go

This phrase is a suggestion or encouragement to begin an activity or depart.

get a move on

This implies a need for increased speed or action.

move it

A more forceful way of telling someone to hurry.

get cracking

Suggests starting a task with enthusiasm and speed.

you've got this

Offers encouragement and support.

snap to it

A more informal and direct way to tell someone to start doing something quickly.

no way

Expresses disbelief or disagreement.

don't give up

Urges persistence and resilience.

I don't believe it

Expresses strong disbelief or skepticism.

FAQs

How can I use "come on" in a sentence?

You can use "come on" to express encouragement, like "Come on, you can win!", or to indicate disbelief, such as "Come on, you can't be serious!"

What are some alternatives to "come on" for expressing encouragement?

Instead of "come on", you could say "you can do it", "keep going", or "don't give up", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "come on"?

"Come on" is generally suitable for informal conversations and writing, but it may be too casual for formal or professional contexts. Consider your audience and the tone you want to convey.

Is "come on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "come on" is grammatically correct as an interjection. It is a common and widely accepted phrase in spoken and written English, as confirmed by Ludwig.