Cool MateCome on then vs Get going
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Come on then
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Get going
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most common: Get going
| Come on then | Get going | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kʌm ɒn ðen//🇺🇸 //kʌm ɑn ðɛn// | 🇬🇧 //ɡɛt ˈɡəʊɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ɡɛt ˈɡoʊɪŋ// |
| Meaning | A phrase used to encourage someone to proceed. | to start moving or doing something |
| Example | Come on then, let's get started with the meeting. | We should really get going if we want to catch the bus. |
| Register | Informal | Informal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (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 | get going on time, get going now, get going with enthusiasm |
| Antonyms | - | stop, halt |
| Common mistakes | Misunderstanding the tone - it's encouraging, not commanding., Using in formal situations where it's inappropriate. | Confused with 'go on' meaning to continue, 'Get going' misused in formal situations |
| Usage notes | Use in casual conversations to prompt someone to take action. Avoid in formal settings. | Used in casual conversations to encourage someone to start an activity. Not suitable for formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Come on then vs Get going
What's the difference between Come on then and Get going?
Come on then: A phrase used to encourage someone to proceed. Get going: to start moving or doing something
Which is more common: Come on then and Get going?
Get going 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. Get going: We should really get going if we want to catch the bus.
Can I use Come on then and Get going interchangeably?
Not always. Come on then and Get going 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.