Meaning
Used to encourage someone, or to express impatience.
Cultural Background
Americans use 'Come on!' very frequently in sports and casual conversation to build team spirit. In the UK, 'Come on!' is often used as a rallying cry in football (soccer). It is a sign of comfort; you only use it with people you know well enough to be informal with.
Watch your tone
The meaning changes entirely based on your tone. Upbeat = Encouragement. Flat/Clipped = Annoyance.
Don't use with strangers
It is too informal for people you don't know well.
Meaning
Used to encourage someone, or to express impatience.
Watch your tone
The meaning changes entirely based on your tone. Upbeat = Encouragement. Flat/Clipped = Annoyance.
Don't use with strangers
It is too informal for people you don't know well.
Test Yourself
Which situation is appropriate for 'Come on!'?
You are at a formal job interview. What do you say?
The other options are too informal for a job interview.
Fill in the blank.
My friend is moving slowly. I say: '_____, we are going to be late!'
Come on is the correct idiom for urging someone to hurry.
Complete the dialogue.
A: I think I can jump over this wall. B: _____! That's too high!
Come on is used here to express disbelief.
Match the meaning.
What does 'Come on!' mean in 'Come on, you can do it!'?
It is used to motivate the person.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou are at a formal job interview. What do you say?
The other options are too informal for a job interview.
My friend is moving slowly. I say: '_____, we are going to be late!'
Come on is the correct idiom for urging someone to hurry.
A: I think I can jump over this wall. B: _____! That's too high!
Come on is used here to express disbelief.
What does 'Come on!' mean in 'Come on, you can do it!'?
It is used to motivate the person.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, use 'Come in' instead.
No, it is very informal.
Only if you are very close friends.
No, it is an interjection.
It adds emphasis to the frustration.
It can be if used with the wrong tone.
Yes, to encourage a pet to walk.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'Stop' or 'Wait' are similar.
Related Phrases
Hurry up
synonymMove faster
Give me a break
similarStop bothering me
Go for it
similarTry it
