What are the definitions of “rub along”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Have a reasonably good relationship.
They're not friends, but we RUB ALONG.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rub along”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb rub along is to have a reasonably good relationship with someone, even if they are not close friends. It means that people can work or live together without any major problems.
What are the different verb forms of “rub along”?
| Root Verb | rub along |
| Third Person Singular Present | rubs along |
| Present Participle | rubbing along |
| Simple Past | rubbed along |
| Past Participle | rubbed along |
Example
We rub along well enough, even though we have different opinions.
Example
She rubs along with her coworkers, even if they don't always agree.
Example
They are rubbing along just fine, despite their differences.
Example
We rubbed along well during the project, even though we had different ideas.
Example
They had rubbed along well enough to complete the task together.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rub along”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“rub along” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
We rub along well enough.
Example
They rub along just fine.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“rub along” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
We rub along well enough.
Example
They rub along just fine.
Good things to know
Does “rub along” have an informal or formal tone?
Rub along is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in most cases, rub along is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
