accompany

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "accompany" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who is with another person or group, to refer to an accompaniment to a meal or activity, or to refer to an act of accompanying someone or something. Example Sentence: The singer was accompanied by a guitar player for the show.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Among reaction on Twitter, Rabeb Othmani offered to accompany non-Muslim people visiting Birmingham, referencing the hashtag #illridewithyou that was used to counter fears over the safety of Muslims after customers and staff were taken hostage in a cafe in Sydney in December.

The Guardian

We also offered medication; social work support to help people deal with defaulted bills, missed rent and other such complications that so often accompany a serious mental breakdown; and an occupational therapy programme, including walking groups and art groups.

The Guardian

That means that a street lantern can switch on and off depending on how busy the street is: if nobody is there, they dim, but as soon as a car, bike or pedestrian approaches, they turn themselves on and accompany the vehicle or person on his way.

The Guardian

I was now in a relationship with another woman, and I wanted my partner to accompany me, but a colleague refused to process my partner's monthly allowance.

The Guardian

My bus broke down before it got to Harar and I finished the journey sharing a car with a group of Somalians who wanted me to accompany them to Mogadishu.

The Guardian - Travel

These ideas, as well other material documenting the geography and geology of the region, have been assembled in Nowhereisland's "embassy", a travelling museum that will accompany the island overland.

The Guardian - Arts

The curators Pickering and Kaus have painstakingly trawled through the records that may accompany bones for clues.

The Guardian

A few years back, an article in The Himalayan Times made the argument that cycling might be part of the solution to air pollution in the valley, calling for a network of bike lanes to accompany a road-widening scheme – although this hasn't really happened.

The Guardian

So, if you are foolish enough to allow us into your sitting room, or invite us to accompany you to a show, be warned: you are not likely to get much peace.

The Guardian

Her designs are digitally edited, but begin with a series of hand-drawn or painted images to accompany research photographs taken on her phone – a blending of techniques that gives her work its appealing, illustrative feel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She said she had been told she would have to leave the country again but had been freed to accompany Cecilia on buses to Maryland, where they would be reunited with the child's father, the woman's husband, whom they had not seen since he left for the US to find work 13 years ago.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "accompany" can lend a sense of formality and importance, especially when referring to people. In order to create more emphasis, use the verb in its passive form: 'was accompanied by'.

Common error

Avoid using "accompany" interchangeably with "support" when describing musical performances. "Accompany" refers to a secondary part that complements the main melody, whereas "support" is a broader term that can include providing encouragement or resources.

Linguistic Context

The verb "accompany" primarily functions to indicate going along with someone or something, often suggesting a supportive or secondary role. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "accompany" is a versatile verb with a wide range of applications, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to describe the action of joining or supporting someone or something. Its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts make it a reliable choice for expressing association. Consider using alternative phrases like "go along with" or "escort" for subtle variations in meaning. When using "accompany", remember that it refers to a supporting role or addition, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication, though it leans towards a more neutral or formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go along with

Emphasizes joining someone on a journey or activity.

escort

Highlights providing protection or guidance while traveling together.

attend

Focuses on being present with someone at an event or gathering.

chaperone

Implies supervising or overseeing someone, especially young people.

supplement

Indicates adding something extra to enhance or complete.

co-occur with

Suggests simultaneous existence or occurrence.

befriend

Focuses on creating a friendly relationship with someone

convoy

Highlights providing security while traveling together.

partner with

Emphasizes working together towards a common goal.

tag along

Suggests following someone, often without invitation.

FAQs

How to use "accompany" in a sentence?

You can use "accompany" to indicate going along with someone (e.g., "I will accompany you to the store"), or to indicate something that complements something else (e.g., "The wine will accompany the meal").

What can I say instead of "accompany"?

You can use alternatives like "go along with", "escort", or "attend" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "accompany" or "go with"?

Both "accompany" and "go with" can be correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Accompany" is more formal and suggests a deliberate act of joining someone, while "go with" is more informal and general.

What's the difference between "accompany" and "supplement"?

"Accompany" implies going along with or being present with something else, while "supplement" means to add something extra to enhance or complete. They are not interchangeable in most contexts.