GET ALONG means "to have a good relationship" or "to manage" — essential for talking about relationships and social situations.
Basic Pronunciation
Stress Pattern
Stress falls on the second syllable of aLONG:
- get = less stressed
- aLONG = main stress (louder, longer)
Say: "get aLONG" with emphasis on "LONG"
Connected Speech
In natural speech, the /t/ at the end of "get" links to the schwa /ə/ in "along":
- Written: get along
- Sounds like: "ge-ta-LONG" /ɡeˈtəˈlɔːŋ/
In fast American speech, the /t/ often becomes a flap: "ge-da-LONG" /ɡeˈɾəˈlɔːŋ/
Practice Examples
The /ɔː/ Vowel in "Long"
"Along" ends with the vowel /ɔː/ followed by /ŋ/:
The /ŋ/ ending:
- This is the velar nasal (same as in "sing")
- Back of tongue touches soft palate
- Air flows through nose
- No /g/ sound at the end
Different Meanings
1. Have a good relationship
2. Manage/cope
3. Leave (informal)
4. Progress
Inseparable Verb
GET ALONG is inseparable:
- ✅ "We get along with our neighbors."
- ❌ "We get our neighbors along with."
GET ALONG vs. GET ON
In British English, "get on" is often used instead of "get along":
| American English | British English |
|---|---|
| get along (with) | get on (with) |
| We get along well | We get on well |
Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers
1. The flapped T
In American English, the T between vowels becomes a flap (like Spanish "r" tap).
2. The schwa in "along"
The first syllable of "along" is a weak schwa /ə/, not a full "a" vowel.
3. The /ŋ/ ending
Don't add a /g/ after the /ŋ/. "Along" ends with the nasal sound only.
Practice Sentences
- "We get aLONG great." → /wi ɡet əˈlɔːŋ ɡreɪt/
- "Do they get aLONG?" → /du ðeɪ ɡet əˈlɔːŋ/
- "I don't get aLONG with him." → /aɪ doʊnt ɡet əˈlɔːŋ wɪð ɪm/
- "How are you getting aLONG?" → /haʊ ɑːr jə ˈɡetɪŋ əˈlɔːŋ/
Common Expressions
Verb Forms
| Form | Pronunciation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Base | /ɡet əˈlɔːŋ/ | get along |
| Past | /ɡɑːt əˈlɔːŋ/ | got along |
| Present participle | /ˈɡetɪŋ əˈlɔːŋ/ | getting along |
| Third person | /ɡets əˈlɔːŋ/ | gets along |
Quick Summary
- Stress on LONG: get aLONG
- Flapped T in American English: "ge-da-LONG"
- Schwa /ə/ in first syllable of "along"
- /ŋ/ nasal ending (no /g/ sound)
- Main meaning: have a good relationship
- Inseparable: "get along with someone"
Congratulations! You've completed all 20 phrasal verb pronunciation guides. Keep practicing and your English will sound more natural every day!