# be along

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/be-along
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to arrive at a place soon.

For teachers: to arrive at a destination; typically used in the future tense or with modal verbs to indicate an imminent appearance.

## Examples

- The next bus should be along in five minutes.
- Don't worry about the waiter; I'm sure someone will be along to take our order shortly.
- The manager mentioned that a technician would be along presently to address the connectivity issues plaguing the office network.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The taxi was along at 5:00." but "The taxi came at 5:00." — we rarely use 'be along' for completed past actions; it is almost exclusively for expected future arrivals.

## Usage notes

- almost always used with 'will', 'should', or 'would' to predict an arrival.
- Teaching tip: this is a softer, more casual way of saying 'arrive' or 'come'; it often implies that the person or thing is already on its way.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.