Meaning
- Used to persuade or encourage someone.
- To start working or functioning often used with lights, machines, or electronic devices.
- To appear or start to be broadcast; used for shows, radio programs.
- To progress or develop regarding skills or recovery.
- To begin suddenly like an illness or feeling.
- To flirt or make sexual advances.
Today's Sentences
01
Come on, we’re going to be late!
Situation
Come on, we’re going to be late!
Where are we going?
I just got tickets to tonight’s game!
Really?
That’s so last minute!
02
Your painting skills have really come on!
Situation
So, what do you think?
Wow, I must say your painting skills have really come on!
Thank you.
I’m really happy with the results.
All that hard work has paid off!
Writer's Note
The phrasal verb "come on" is considered an intransitive and inseparable.
- Intransitive - It does not take a direct object in most of its common uses.
Example 1: The lights came on suddenly.
Example 2: She’s really coming on in her studies.
Example 3: The show comes on at 8 p.m. - Inseparable - You cannot insert anything between come and on. It always stays together as a unit. Example 1: Come on, you can do it! Don’t give up now.
Example 2: The heater comes on automatically when the temperature drops.
Example 3: I think a headache is coming on—I need to lie down.
Related words as to encourage: Get a move on, hurry up, let’s go, move it.
Related words as to activate: Switch on, turn on, power up, start.
Related words as to improve: Advance, improve, make progress, develop.
Related words as to illness or emotion: Begin, start, set in.
Related words as to flirt: Hit on, flirt with, make a pass at.
