consort with

USAGE SUMMARY

"consort with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
To "consort with" someone means to form a close relationship with them, typically one that is socially or business-related. For example, "He consorted with investors and entrepreneurs to find new business opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Waverly Consort, with instrumentalists.

The New York Times - Arts

If you consort with criminals.

The New Yorker

Fancy makes comedy consort with horror.

The Guardian - Books

Cummings also found time to consort with the city's prostitutes.

The New Yorker

The initial selections were made by the artist in consort with Erle Loran.

University of California, Berkeley

Consort with a diverse assembly of creative Cornellians across various industries.

Cornell University

Why are the young women of this town so willing to consort with Franco's soldiers?

The New Yorker

MARKING the millennium is the Waverly Consort with "Revelations 1000-2000".

The New York Times

Here the shamans come to take the hallucinogenic ayahuasca and consort with the spirits.

The Guardian - Travel

Much like Schumer is today, O'Neill was wary of being seen to consort with the enemy.

The New Yorker

They do go off to be free to consort with other women".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consort with" when you want to emphasize a potentially controversial or disapproved association. It often carries a negative connotation, implying that the association is questionable or dangerous.

Common error

Avoid using "consort with" in neutral contexts where a simple "associate with" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can create an unintended sense of disapproval or suspicion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consort with" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating an action of associating or keeping company with someone. It often carries a nuance of disapproval or suspicion, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples showing its use in contexts involving criminals or enemies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "consort with" is a phrasal verb that signifies associating with someone, often implying disapproval or a questionable relationship. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent usage in various contexts. The term is very common in News & Media, Academia and Science. When using "consort with", it's crucial to be aware of its negative connotations and choose it carefully, as explained previously. Consider alternatives like "associate with" or "keep company with" for more neutral situations. Overall, understanding the nuances of "consort with" ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

associate with

This alternative is more neutral and general, lacking the negative connotations that "consort with" can sometimes carry.

keep company with

This phrase is slightly more formal and suggests a social relationship.

mingle with

This suggests casual interaction, often in a social setting.

fraternize with

This implies a friendly or brotherly relationship, often crossing social or professional boundaries.

hobnob with

This suggests associating with people of higher social status.

collaborate with

This implies working together on a project, with a shared goal.

be in cahoots with

This suggests a secret or collusive partnership, often for dishonest purposes.

unite with

This implies joining together for a common cause or purpose.

have dealings with

Suggests more formal or business-oriented interactions, without necessarily implying a close relationship.

frequent the company of

More formal and literary alternative, suggesting regular association.

FAQs

What does "consort with" mean?

To "consort with" means to associate with someone, often implying disapproval or that the association is somehow questionable. It suggests a close relationship or frequent interaction, particularly with someone considered undesirable.

What are some synonyms for "consort with"?

Alternatives to "consort with" include "associate with", "keep company with", or "mingle with", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "consort with" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "consort with" can carry a negative connotation. In formal writing, consider whether a more neutral term like "associate with" or "collaborate with" would be more appropriate, depending on the intended meaning.

How does "consort with" differ from "associate with"?

"Associate with" is a more neutral term that simply means to connect or spend time with someone. "Consort with", on the other hand, implies a closer, more involved relationship, often with a negative or questionable connotation. To "consort with" someone suggests that the association might be viewed unfavorably by others.