COME A LONG WAY

Human Communication

"Reflect on how you've come a long way, for every step forward carries the lessons of the past, shaping a brighter future."

📖 Definition

The phrase 'come a long way' means to have made significant progress or to have developed substantially over time. It often implies overcoming obstacles to achieve a current, improved state.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrase 'come a long way' means to have made significant progress or to have developed substantially over time. It often implies overcoming obstacles to achieve a current, improved state.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The phrasal verb 'come a long way' is inseparable.
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Neutral
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts and is widely understood.
Transitive
No
This phrasal verb does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple come a long way She has come a long way since her early days as a singer.
Past Simple came a long way He came a long way within a few years to become the CEO.
Present Continuous coming a long way Her ideas are coming a long way in shaping the project.
Present Perfect have come a long way We have come a long way in improving our company's sustainability practices.

💡 When to Use

Achievements over time
Use it when discussing progress or improvements made over a period, especially after overcoming hardships.
Example: "The team has come a long way in improving their performance."
Personal development
When talking about significant personal growth or learning experiences achieved over time.
Example: "She has come a long way since starting her career in teaching."
Technological advancements
Discuss progress in technology showing how much has changed and improved.
Example: "Mobile technology has come a long way in the past two decades."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

word choice
❌ Wrong: He has came a long way.
✅ Correct: He has come a long way.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'come' is the past participle.
separable usage
❌ Wrong: He has a long way come.
✅ Correct: He has come a long way.
💡 Tip: Keep the phrase together.
transitive use
❌ Wrong: She came a long way the project.
✅ Correct: She came a long way in the project.
💡 Tip: Use 'in' or 'since' for context.
Practice

COME A LONG WAY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

  • 1
    Listen to example

    Since opening her first store, Lisa has come a long way in the retail industry.

    Bridging The Distance
  • 2
    Listen to example

    Our understanding of the universe has come a long way since the early days of astronomy.

    Bridging The Distance
  • 3
    Listen to example

    The software's functionality has come a long way with the latest updates.

    Bridging The Distance

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

progressed significantly advanced greatly

Antonyms

stayed stagnant

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Over the years, she has ___ a long way in her career."

came
come a long way
combing
comes

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Come A Long Way

What is the origin of come a long way?

+
The phrase 'come a long way' likely originates from the concept of physical travel, where 'long way' signified distance traveled. Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for personal, intellectual, or societal progress.

Can come a long way be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'come a long way' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is widely understood, making it appropriate for academic writings and casual conversations.

What is the difference between come a long way and progressed significantly?

+
Both phrases imply development, but 'come a long way' often highlights overcoming challenges. In contrast, 'progressed significantly' focuses on the advancement itself, sometimes without implying previous hardships.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

move forwardgrow intobuild uprise tostep up
Browse All Bridging The Distance Phrasal Verbs
Human Communication Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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