1 B2 idiomatic informal
To move very quickly along a road, path, or surface, often recklessly.
"The motorbike tore along the narrow country lane, scattering gravel everywhere."
tear along
B2 informal intransitive
To move very fast, often recklessly, along a route or surface.
In plain English
To go somewhere really, really fast — like running or driving like crazy.
What does "tear along" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To rip or tear something in a straight line along a marked edge or fold.
"Tear along the dotted line to detach your entry form."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rip or pull something as it moves along a surface — but idiomatically it simply means to move at speed.
Actually means
To go somewhere really, really fast — like running or driving like crazy.
Usage tip
Primarily British English. Usually describes vehicles or people moving at high, often alarming speed. Can also mean to tear something along a perforated line, though this sense is rare.
Words that pair with "tear along"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
road street motorway corridor path
How to conjugate "tear along"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tear along
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tears along
he/she/it
Past simple
tore along
yesterday
Past participle
torn along
have + pp
-ing form
tearing along
continuous
Hear "tear along" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tear along" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "tear along"
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hurtle along race along rush along speed along zoom along
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