Cool MateCome on then vs Let's go
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Come on then
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Let's go
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most formal: Let's goMost common: Let's go
| Come on then | Let's go | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kʌm ɒn ðen//🇺🇸 //kʌm ɑn ðɛn// | 🇬🇧 //lɛts ɡəʊ//🇺🇸 //lɛts ɡoʊ// |
| Meaning | A phrase used to encourage someone to proceed. | A way to suggest leaving or starting an activity together. |
| Example | Come on then, let's get started with the meeting. | Let's go to the park this afternoon. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | Come on then, let's go, Come on then, hurry up, Come on then, show me, Come on then, what's the plan | let's go out, let's go home, let's go eat |
| Common mistakes | Misunderstanding the tone - it's encouraging, not commanding., Using in formal situations where it's inappropriate. | Using 'lets' instead of 'let's' as a contraction for 'let us', Confusing the meaning with 'let go', Not using it with a verb following, e.g., 'let's walk' |
| Usage notes | Use in casual conversations to prompt someone to take action. Avoid in formal settings. | Commonly used for invitations or suggestions. Suitable in casual conversations among friends, but less formal in business settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Come on then vs Let's go
What's the difference between Come on then and Let's go?
Come on then: A phrase used to encourage someone to proceed. Let's go: A way to suggest leaving or starting an activity together.
Which is more formal: Come on then and Let's go?
Let's go is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Come on then and Let's go?
Let's go is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Come on then: Come on then, let's get started with the meeting. Let's go: Let's go to the park this afternoon.
Can I use Come on then and Let's go interchangeably?
Not always. Come on then and Let's go are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.