Phrasal Verb - Coming On
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.Definition
The phrasal verb 'come on' (and its gerund 'coming on') is highly versatile, encompassing a range of meanings primarily related to initiation, progression, or encouragement. It can signify the beginning or onset of something, such as an illness (e.g., 'a cold is coming on'), a performance or broadcast (e.g., 'the show is coming on'), or an automatic process (e.g., 'the lights came on'). It is also widely used to denote making progress, developing, or maturing successfully, often in reference to skills, projects, or individuals (e.g., 'her painting is really coming on'). As an imperative ('Come on!'), it serves multiple functions: to urge someone to hurry, to encourage effort, to express disbelief or protest, or to prompt agreement. In a social context, it can describe someone making advances or flirting with another person. Furthermore, it can refer to an item, such as fruit, beginning to ripen or become available, or a performer appearing on a stage or screen.
Examples
| No. | Example |
|---|---|
| 1 | Come on, we need to leave now or we'll miss our flight! |
| 2 | I feel a headache coming on, so I think I'll lie down for a bit. |
| 3 | The new season of our favorite TV show is coming on next Tuesday. |
| 4 | His recovery from the injury is really coming on; he's walking much better. |
| 5 | Come on, that's ridiculous! You can't expect me to believe that story. |
| 6 | The lead singer came on stage to a thunderous applause from the crowd. |
| 7 | She complained that her colleague had been coming on to her all evening. |
| 8 | The streetlights come on automatically at dusk, even on cloudy days. |
| 9 | You've been practicing so much, your guitar playing is really coming on. |
| 10 | The strawberries are coming on nicely; they should be ready for picking next week. |