escorting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "escorting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of accompanying someone, often for protection or guidance. Example: "The security team is responsible for escorting VIP guests to their seats during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When this failed, he told his dad he'd started escorting.

The Guardian

According to Ahmad – who filed a formal complaint with United Airlines after exiting the plane with the pilot escorting her to customer service – there will be an investigation into her allegations, but the airline has not yet announced any plans to discuss issues around potential discrimination on their flight.

The Guardian

He had four hectares of the green-leaved shrub, enough to provide a living for his family of seven.That was until the weekend in mid-February when the police helicopters arrived, escorting a crop-duster that swooped low over the fields and sprayed the coca with glyphosate, a powerful agricultural weedkiller.

The Economist

A few days earlier, Palestinian gunmen belonging to Islamic Jihad ambushed Israeli soldiers and guards who had been escorting settlers to prayers in Hebron, killing 12 of them.

The Economist

An official report found that private participation in escorting prisoners was a "very mixed picture": security was good but the vans often turned up late for court.The jobs that are about to be contracted out could prove more challenging still.

The Economist

So for 15 months, ER staff at Soroka recorded the number of companions escorting each stroke sufferer, over 700 in all, and tracked their progress.The results, recently published in Medicine, tell a striking story.

The Economist

This week a French naval frigate was praised by the UN's World Food Programme for escorting two freighters loaded with food aid through pirate-infested waters to Somalia.

The Economist

Camel drivers from Douz Gharbi, hanging gloomily around in the hope of escorting the few tourists into the desert, say the middlemen who prospered under Mr Ben Ali still take a hefty chunk of their earnings.

The Economist

Nicola Calipari died at an American checkpoint as he was escorting a newly-freed Italian hostage to the airport.

The Economist

(In America we probably associate escorting with companionship more so than in Britain).

The Economist

I would compare online escorting to the art market; we have customs that are respected and upheld by participants.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "escorting", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the accompaniment is for protection, guidance, or ceremonial purposes to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "escorting" in very casual or informal situations where simpler terms like "accompanying" or "going with" would be more appropriate. "Escorting" often implies a level of formality or responsibility that might be out of place in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "escorting" is as a verb, typically in its present participle form. It indicates the action of accompanying someone or something, often with an implication of protection or guidance. Ludwig provides examples where it is used to describe military, security, or ceremonial actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "escorting" functions as a verb describing the act of accompanying someone or something, typically for protection, guidance, or ceremonial reasons. Ludwig AI indicates that the term is grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news and encyclopedic contexts. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal registers, emphasizing responsibility or security. Alternatives like "accompanying" or "protecting" may be more appropriate in informal settings. The term's prevalence in authoritative sources like The Economist and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its credibility and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accompanying and protecting

Emphasizes both presence and safeguarding, adding a layer of security not always explicit in "escorting".

accompanying

Focuses on simply going along with someone, without necessarily implying protection or guidance.

convoying

Specifically refers to accompanying a group of vehicles or ships for protection.

guarding

Stresses the protective aspect, highlighting security rather than mere accompaniment.

shepherding

Implies guidance and direction, often in a nurturing or careful manner.

protecting

Highlights the act of defense and safeguarding, rather than simply accompanying.

chaperoning

Suggests supervising and ensuring appropriate behavior, often of young people.

ushering

Implies guiding someone politely or ceremoniously to a particular place.

attending

Focuses on being present with someone, often in a supportive role, without necessarily guiding or protecting.

leading

Suggests taking the initiative to guide someone, implying direction and authority.

FAQs

How is "escorting" used in a sentence?

"Escorting" is generally used as a verb, often in the present participle form. For example, "The police were "escorting" the dignitaries to the event" or "Naval ships are "escorting" commercial vessels through the Gulf".

What words can I use instead of "escorting"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "accompanying", "guarding", "protecting", or "leading".

What is the difference between "escorting" and "accompanying"?

"Accompanying" simply means going along with someone, while "escorting" often implies providing protection, guidance, or ceremonial presence. "Escorting" suggests a more active and responsible role.

When is it appropriate to use "escorting" over other similar verbs?

Use "escorting" when you want to emphasize that someone is not only accompanying but also actively guiding, protecting, or officially attending to someone or something. In less formal situations, consider "joining" or "going with".