get along

USAGE SUMMARY

'get along' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to mean that two people, or more, are getting on well and functioning in a harmonious manner, or to describe a situation of peace and understanding. For example: My parents have been married for 30 years, and they still get along very well.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Can we get along?

The New Yorker

"We get along well.

The New York Times

They get along great.

The New Yorker

Some get along smoothly.

The New York Times

I get along with everybody.

The New Yorker

"You have to get along".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

They got along well.

The New York Times - Magazine

Everybody gets along," he said.

The New York Times

We are getting along great.

The New York Times

"How are you getting along?

The New York Times

We got along really great.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal relationships, use "get along" to convey a sense of ease and compatibility. For example, "Despite their differences, they manage to "get along" quite well".

Common error

Avoid using "get along" in highly formal or technical documents where more precise language is expected. Instead of saying "the system needs to "get along" with the existing infrastructure", opt for terms like "integrate seamlessly" or "function compatibly".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "get along" is as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating the manner in which individuals or entities interact or coexist. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. It describes relationships, compatibility, or ability to manage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get along" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe harmonious relationships, compatibility, or the ability to manage effectively. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used in English. With its frequency in news and media sources, it's essential for understanding various contexts. While more formal alternatives exist, "get along" remains a common and useful expression for conveying positive interactions and successful management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coexist peacefully

Focuses on the absence of conflict and the presence of harmony.

get on with

British English alternative, conveying a similar meaning of harmonious interaction or progress.

have a good relationship

Highlights the positive nature of the connection between individuals.

be compatible

Emphasizes the natural fit or alignment between people or things.

work well together

Stresses the collaborative aspect and effectiveness of a relationship.

see eye to eye

Indicates agreement and shared perspectives.

be on good terms

Suggests a friendly or amicable relationship.

manage well

Shifts the focus to handling situations or responsibilities effectively.

fare well

Refers to overall success and positive outcomes in a general sense.

live in harmony

Implies a state of balance and peaceful coexistence, often in a broader context.

FAQs

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

You can use "get along" to describe how well people relate to each other, such as, "It's important for colleagues to "get along" in a team environment" or to indicate how someone manages, such as, "She didn't have much money, but she managed to "get along"".

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

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "coexist peacefully", "have a harmonious relationship", or "function effectively" instead of ""get along"".

Is "get along" only used for people?

While commonly used to describe relationships between people, ""get along"" can also describe how well systems, processes, or even ideas work together. For example, "The new software needs to "get along" with the existing hardware".

What does it mean when someone says they "just get along"?

When someone says they "just "get along"", it usually means they have a natural compatibility and find it easy to interact without conflict or significant effort.