In 15 Seconds
- Having a friendly, peaceful relationship with others.
- Works for friends, family, coworkers, and even pets.
- Usually followed by 'with' when naming a person.
Meaning
This phrase describes having a friendly, smooth relationship with someone without constant fighting or drama. It means you enjoy each other's company and can work or live together easily.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a new job
I really get along with my new teammates.
I really get along with my new teammates.
Asking about family
Do you get along with your brother?
Do you get along with your brother?
A formal performance review
He gets along well with clients and staff members.
He gets along well with clients and staff members.
Cultural Background
The phrase dates back to the 1800s, originally meaning to 'move forward' or 'make progress.' Over time, it shifted from physical movement to social progress between people. In modern Western culture, 'getting along' is a key soft skill valued in workplaces and community living.
The British Switch
If you are in London, use 'get on' instead of 'get along'. It sounds more natural to the locals!
Not for Romance
Be careful! Saying you 'get along' with your crush might put you straight in the friend-zone.
In 15 Seconds
- Having a friendly, peaceful relationship with others.
- Works for friends, family, coworkers, and even pets.
- Usually followed by 'with' when naming a person.
What It Means
Get along is all about harmony. It describes the vibe between two or more people. If you get along with your roommate, you don't argue about the dishes. You just exist together peacefully. It is like two gears clicking perfectly into place. You do not have to be best friends. You just need to be friendly and cooperative.
How To Use It
Use it with the preposition with to mention a specific person. For example: "I get along with my boss." If you are talking about a group, you can leave with out. You might say: "My siblings and I get along well." You can add adverbs like great, famously, or well to show how good the relationship is. If things are bad, just add don't. "We just don't get along."
When To Use It
Use this in almost any social setting. It is perfect for describing your new coworkers. Use it when meeting your partner's parents for the first time. It is great for catching up with old friends. You can even use it for pets! "Does your cat get along with your dog?" It is the go-to phrase for checking the 'vibe' of a group.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for romantic attraction. If you say "I get along with her," it sounds like you are just good friends. It lacks the 'spark' of romance. Also, avoid it in very stiff, legal documents. In a court of law, they might say "maintain a professional relationship." Get along is a bit too warm for a lawyer's office.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, being someone who "gets along with everyone" is a huge compliment. It suggests you are easy-going and flexible. It reflects a cultural value of social harmony and teamwork. Americans often use it as a polite way to avoid saying they dislike someone. If they say "We don't really get along," it is a polite way to say "We hate each other."
Common Variations
In British English, you will often hear get on. "Do you get on with your neighbors?" It means exactly the same thing. You might also hear get along famously. This sounds a bit fancy and means you are having a wonderful time together. Another variation is get along just fine, which means the relationship is okay, but not amazing.
Usage Notes
This is a highly versatile, neutral phrasal verb. The main 'gotcha' is remembering to use 'with' when an object (person) follows the verb.
The British Switch
If you are in London, use 'get on' instead of 'get along'. It sounds more natural to the locals!
Not for Romance
Be careful! Saying you 'get along' with your crush might put you straight in the friend-zone.
The Polite Rejection
In the US, 'We don't get along' is the most common polite way to explain why you aren't talking to someone anymore.
Examples
6I really get along with my new teammates.
I really get along with my new teammates.
Shows a positive start at a new workplace.
Do you get along with your brother?
Do you get along with your brother?
A common question about family dynamics.
He gets along well with clients and staff members.
He gets along well with clients and staff members.
Used here to praise interpersonal skills.
He was nice, but we just didn't get along.
He was nice, but we just didn't get along.
A polite way to say there was no chemistry.
My cat and the vacuum cleaner do not get along.
My cat and the vacuum cleaner do not get along.
Personifies an object for a funny effect.
We stopped getting along months ago.
We stopped getting along months ago.
Expresses the sadness of a failing relationship.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
I don't really get along ___ my roommate's boyfriend.
We always use 'with' when we mention the person we are (or aren't) having a relationship with.
Select the best adverb to show a very strong positive relationship.
They've been best friends for years; they get along ___.
'Famously' is a common collocation with 'get along' to mean 'extremely well'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Get Along'
Used with friends and family.
Me and my bro get along great.
Standard everyday use.
I get along with my neighbors.
Professional setting, but still common.
The departments get along effectively.
Where to use 'Get Along'
Office
With coworkers
Home
With siblings
Social
With new friends
Animals
Between pets
Practice Bank
2 exercisesI don't really get along ___ my roommate's boyfriend.
We always use 'with' when we mention the person we are (or aren't) having a relationship with.
They've been best friends for years; they get along ___.
'Famously' is a common collocation with 'get along' to mean 'extremely well'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means to have a friendly and peaceful relationship with someone. For example, I get along with my sister means we don't fight much.
Yes! You can say, We really got along at the party last night. It means you clicked instantly.
Not really. Get on is just the British version of the American get along. Both are understood everywhere.
Just use the negative: We don't get along. You can add at all for emphasis: We don't get along at all.
Yes, though it's less common now. You might hear How are you getting along with your project? meaning How is your progress?
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
It means you get along incredibly well. It’s a slightly old-fashioned but very positive way to describe a relationship.
Absolutely. You can ask, Do your dogs get along? to see if they play nicely together.
Use with if you name the person: I get along with Sarah. Use just get along for a group: Sarah and I get along.
Close, but not exactly. You can get along with someone you don't necessarily 'like' as a close friend, such as a difficult coworker.
Related Phrases
hit it off
To like someone immediately upon meeting them.
see eye to eye
To agree with someone on most things.
be on the same page
To have the same understanding or goals.
on good terms
To have a friendly relationship with someone.
