come on
A2 neutral intransitive both
In simple words
start, hurry, or do better
Literal meaning: to move toward and onto something
Meanings
1 A2
idiomatic
neutral
to start functioning or happening
"The heating comes on automatically at six."
"The sun'll come out tomorrow."
— Annie, "Tomorrow" (related form 'come out', not exact)
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2
idiomatic
informal
used to encourage someone or tell them to hurry or make an effort
"Come on, we don't want to miss the train."
"Come on down!"
— The Price Is Right (recurring catchphrase)
Grammar: inseparable
3 B1
idiomatic
informal
to develop or improve gradually
"Your English is really coming on now."
Grammar: inseparable
4 B1
idiomatic
informal
used to show disbelief or annoyance
"Come on, that's not a serious excuse."
"Oh, come on!"
— Very common line in films and television; no single reliable source cited
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Extremely common and very flexible. Tone matters a lot: it can be friendly encouragement, impatience, disbelief, or flirtation in other structures.
Commonly used with
lights rain team baby come on strong
Forms
Base
come on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes on
he/she/it
Past simple
came on
yesterday
Past participle
come on
have + pp
-ing form
coming on
continuous
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Synonyms
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