- To have a friendly, harmonious, or cooperative relationship with someone.
Explanation
Origin
- Dates back to the 17th century.
- Get implies achieving a state or condition.
- Along suggests movement or progression together, side-by-side.
- The idea is progressing together smoothly, without conflict, hence having a good relationship.
- Can also mean 'to manage' or 'to fare' (e.g., How are you getting along with your project?), but the 'relationship' meaning is most common with with someone.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Vibe with (To have a good feeling or connection with someone)
- Be cool with (To have no problems with someone)
- Jive with (Similar to vibe with, perhaps slightly older slang)
Vulgar/Emphatic (Usually expressing difficulty):
- We fucking hate each other. (Directly states strong negative relationship)
- He's a dick, I can't get along with him. (Expresses strong dislike)
Milder/Standard:
- Have a cordial relationship (More formal)
- Coexist peacefully
Situational Appropriateness
- Very common in informal and semi-formal conversations.
- Appropriate for discussing personal or workplace relationships.
- In highly formal contexts, maintain a harmonious relationship might be used.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Ensure context distinguishes between getting along (relationship) and getting along (managing/progressing, e.g., How are you getting along with the report?). The with someone usually clarifies the relationship meaning.
Examples
- I get along well with my colleagues.
- My brother and sister don't always get along.
- It's important that the team members get along.
- Do you get along with your new neighbors?
Dialogue
Sarah: How's the new roommate?
Ben: She's great! We get along really well, actually.
Sarah: Oh, that's fantastic! I was worried because you didn't get along with the last one.
Ben: Yeah, this is much better. We have similar habits and respect each other's space.
Social Media Examples
- Facebook Post: So happy my dog and my new cat are finally starting to get along! #pets #friendship
- Reddit Question: How do you get along with coworkers you strongly disagree with politically? #workplace #advice
- Tweet: Reminder: You don't have to get along with everyone, but basic respect goes a long way.
Response Patterns
- Positive: Yes, we get along great!, Yeah, she's easy to get along with., We have a good relationship.
- Neutral/Mixed: We get along okay., It's alright, we have our moments., We tolerate each other.
- Negative: No, we don't get along at all., We constantly argue., We don't really see eye to eye.
- Question: Why do you ask?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After a positive response (Yes, we get along great!):
- That's good to hear!
- What makes it work so well?
After a negative response (No, we don't get along):
- Oh no, why not? or What's the issue?
- That must be difficult.
If someone asks How are you getting along with [person]?:
- The responder gives one of the patterns above.
- The asker might then offer advice or sympathy depending on the answer.
Conversation Starter
- Yes, asking Do you get along with...? can be a way to inquire about relationships (e.g., with colleagues, family, roommates).
Intonation
- Stress often falls on get, along, and the person mentioned.
- Do you GET aLONG with YOUR BOSS?
- Can sound inquisitive, affirmative, or negative depending on the statement.
Generation Differences
- Used and understood by all generations. Vibe with is more common among younger generations.
Regional Variations
- Standard and common in all major English-speaking regions.