Accessory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Accessory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an item that is added to something else to make it more useful, versatile, or attractive, often in the context of fashion or equipment. Example: "She chose a beautiful handbag as an accessory to complete her outfit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Warning: a vote is not a personal accessory to show the world who you are.

The Guardian - Opinion

Also wearing a black bandanna, the accessory of the festival.

The Guardian - Music

The RAC began selling such an accessory, called Advance, last year, while in the US a company called Automatic provides similar details for US vehicles.

The Guardian - Tech

discohealthclub.com 8. Rebounding There was a point sometime in the mid-80s when a mini-trampoline, or rebounder, was the fitness accessory du jour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Upon its release, Pulp Fiction was so instantly influential that it unwittingly became the accessory to dozens of cinematic crimes.

The Guardian - Film

At the very least Villa will look the part on the day after Sherwood took it upon himself to organise their blue Paul Smith suits and he has even thought of an accessory to help with the tears of joy or pain at the final whistle.

The Guardian - Sport

Britain's booming rich have a taste for many things: fine wines, yachts, country mansions – but this season's must-have accessory is a political party.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maitland is also being prosecuted for two counts of being an accessory before the fact to misconduct in public office and for giving false and misleading evidence to Icac.

The Guardian

For now, the company is using its accessory range as a way to introduce the brand to key markets and create a foothold for further expansion at a later date.

The Guardian - Tech

He took full responsibility for his actions in that case, Irwin said, claiming he was only an accessory.

The Guardian

A growing number of accessory makers are making systems which hook into cars' computer-controlled engine control units (ECUs) to report data about trips.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing fashion, consider the specific type of "accessory", such as "jewelry", "scarf", or "handbag", for clarity. This adds precision and helps the reader visualize the item more effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "accessory" as a catch-all term. Be specific about the item you're describing. For instance, instead of saying "the car had many accessories", specify "the car had upgraded speakers and a sunroof".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Accessory" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an item that enhances or complements something else. It can also function as an adjective, describing something as supplementary or subordinate. Ludwig shows that the word is used both in the context of fashion and legal matters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "Accessory" is a versatile word with a neutral to formal register, commonly used in various contexts, as Ludwig's examples show. As a noun, it refers to something that enhances or completes something else, especially in fashion or equipment. It can also describe someone who assists in a crime. While grammatically correct and very common, being specific about the type of "accessory" can improve clarity in writing. Overall, as Ludwig AI explains, "Accessory" is a valuable term in both descriptive and legal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accessary

An older, less common spelling of "accessory".

Attachment

Focuses on the item being connected or added to something else.

Supplement

Emphasizes the item's role in enhancing or completing something.

Complement

Focuses on how the item enhances or completes something else.

Adjunct

Highlights the auxiliary or subordinate nature of the item.

Enhancement

Highlights the improvement or augmentation provided by the item.

Appurtenance

Refers to something that belongs to or is connected with something else.

Add-on

Specifically denotes something added to an existing product or service.

Accoutrement

Often refers to personal items or equipment associated with a particular activity or role.

Auxiliary

Stresses the helping or supporting function of the item.

FAQs

How can I use "accessory" in a sentence?

You can use "accessory" to refer to an item that enhances or completes something else, like "She chose a beautiful scarf as an accessory to her outfit", or to someone involved in a crime, such as "He was charged as an accessory to the robbery".

What's the difference between an accessory and an "attachment"?

An "accessory" is generally something that enhances or complements the main item, often optional. An "attachment" is usually designed to be connected to a main item for a specific function, and may be essential for certain uses.

What can I say instead of "fashion accessory"?

Depending on the context, you could use "garment", "apparel", "adornment", or "complement". Each of these alternatives offer a slightly different shade of meaning.

Is it correct to say "accessory to" or "accessory of"?

It is correct to say "accessory to" when referring to someone who assists in a crime. For instance, "He was an accessory to the crime". "Accessory of" is not typically used.