coming along

USAGE SUMMARY

"coming along" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate progress (either literal or figurative) and can often be used as a response to a question about how something is progressing. For example, someone might ask "How is your research project coming along?", to which you could reply "It's coming along quite nicely, thank you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's coming along".

The New York Times - Sports

They're coming along".

The New York Times - Travel

How's his moderation coming along?

The New York Times - Arts

A. That's coming along well.

The New York Times

But it's coming along, though.

The New York Times - Sports

They're coming along nicely.

The Guardian - Travel

He's coming along fine.

The New York Times - Sports

How's that coming along?

The Guardian - Sport

Well, it's coming along".

The New Yorker

Collins added, "He's coming along fine".

The New York Times

Wonder how his German is coming along?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming along" to describe the gradual progress of a project, skill, or even a person's recovery. It's suitable when you want to convey that things are advancing but not necessarily at a rapid pace.

Common error

While "coming along" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. More precise terms like "progressing", "developing", or "advancing" might be more appropriate to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming along" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used as a present continuous construction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. It describes an action or process that is currently in progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "coming along" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe progress or development. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical accuracy and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's generally appropriate for both formal and informal situations, it's advisable to use more precise language in highly formal or academic settings. Consider alternatives such as "making progress", "developing well", or "advancing steadily" to fine-tune the message. Remember that "coming along" indicates ongoing advancement, distinguishing it from a state of completion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making progress

Focuses more directly on the act of progressing, omitting the sense of gradual or steady advancement.

developing well

Highlights the positive direction of the development, emphasizing success.

advancing steadily

Emphasizes the consistent and regular nature of the progress.

improving gradually

Focuses on the incremental nature of the improvement.

getting better

A more general and less formal way to indicate improvement.

shaping up

Implies that something is taking a more defined and positive form.

on track

Indicates that something is progressing according to a planned schedule.

evolving nicely

Highlights the evolutionary aspect of the progress, suggesting a natural development.

maturing well

Implies that something is becoming more complete and refined over time.

proceeding smoothly

Focuses on the lack of problems or obstacles in the progress.

FAQs

How can I use "coming along" in a sentence?

You can use "coming along" to describe gradual progress. For example, "The project is "coming along" nicely", or "My French is "coming along" slowly but surely".

What's a more formal alternative to "coming along"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "progressing", "developing", or "advancing" instead of "coming along".

Is "coming along" appropriate for academic writing?

While "coming along" is understandable, it may be too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal terms depending on the specific context.

How does "coming along" differ from "completed"?

"Coming along" implies ongoing progress, while "completed" indicates that something is finished. Use "coming along" when something is in progress and "completed" when it is done.