c'mon

Meanings

1. 1interjectioninformal

   Used to urge someone to move faster or to start doing something.

   Grammar: Stands alone or comes before a command; it does not take an object.

   Patterns

   • c'mon + imperative
   • c'mon, let's go

   C'mon, we're going to be late!

   C'mon, hurry up and get in the car.

   C'mon, start the game already!

2. 2interjectioninformal

   Used to show that you do not believe what someone has said or to protest.

   Grammar: Often said with a rising intonation to express disbelief.

   Patterns

   • c'mon!
   • oh, c'mon

   C'mon, you can't expect me to believe that!

   Oh, c'mon, that's not fair!

   C'mon, you know that's not true.

3. 3interjectioninformal

   Used to encourage someone to try harder or to keep going.

   Grammar: Often followed by a name or a pronoun.

   Patterns

   • c'mon + name
   • c'mon, you can do it

   C'mon, Sarah, you can do it!

   C'mon, team, just one more point!

   C'mon, you're almost there!

Common combinations

c'mon, let's go

C'mon, let's go before it gets dark.

oh, c'mon

Oh, c'mon, you're not really going to wear that.

c'mon, you can do it

C'mon, you can do it—just a little further!

c'mon, hurry up

C'mon, hurry up, the bus is coming.

Synonyms and how they differ

come on

The full form is more neutral and can be used in both spoken and written English; c'mon is a casual contraction.

hurry up

Focuses specifically on moving faster, while c'mon can also express disbelief or encouragement.

Commonly confused: c'mon or common?

Practice

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