keep him company

USAGE SUMMARY

'keep him company' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe the act of keeping someone in one's presence for the purpose of providing companionship. For example, "My best friend was feeling down, so I decided to drop by and keep him company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But keep him company until then, eh.

The Guardian - Sport

He laughed tentatively, and Patrick laughed to keep him company.

The New Yorker

They also serve another purpose: they keep him company.

The New York Times

"He has his angst to keep him company," she says.

The New York Times

Kipps has only a dog, Spider, to keep him company.

The New York Times

All that was left to keep him company was the legacy of his crime.

The New York Times

All he'd wanted from me was to keep him company for a few minutes.

The New York Times

Frightened and alone, he decides to build an automaton to keep him company.

The New York Times

Gerard Loomis had a pet to keep him company: mission accomplished.

The New Yorker

His new robot helper is there to cook, clean, garden and keep him company.

The New York Times

She would keep him company as he cooked, and they began eating dinner together regularly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep him company", consider the specific type of companionship you're describing. Is it active engagement, quiet presence, or simply preventing loneliness? Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "keep him company" when the situation involves offering professional assistance or services. This phrase is best suited for describing informal social interactions and emotional support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep him company" functions primarily as a phrasal verb indicating the act of providing companionship to someone. It highlights the intention to alleviate loneliness or boredom through one's presence. Ludwig examples show its broad applicability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep him company" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe providing companionship to someone, typically to alleviate loneliness or boredom. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is straightforward, and its meaning is easily understood. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, indicating its broad applicability in describing social interactions. While generally neutral to informal, the specific context should guide its usage, ensuring it aligns with the intended level of engagement. For alternative expressions, consider options like "offer him companionship" or "spend time with him" to fine-tune the specific nuance. Remember, the best phrase reflects the specific type of companionship being offered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give him some company

Similar in meaning, but uses "some" to indicate an unspecified amount of companionship.

offer him companionship

Implies a more active and deliberate offering of companionship.

be there for him

Suggests providing support and presence during a difficult time.

spend time with him

Focuses on the act of sharing time, without necessarily implying emotional support.

accompany him

Emphasizes the act of going somewhere with him.

be his companion

More formal, suggesting a role or longer-term relationship.

not leave him alone

Highlights preventing loneliness rather than actively providing companionship.

hang out with him

Informal, implies a casual and relaxed interaction.

visit him

Focuses on the act of going to see him, often at his home.

join him

Suggests participating in an activity together.

FAQs

What does it mean to "keep someone company"?

To "keep someone company" means to spend time with them, usually to alleviate loneliness or boredom. It implies providing companionship through your presence and interaction.

What can I say instead of "keep him company"?

You can use alternatives like "offer him companionship", "spend time with him", or "be there for him" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "keep him company"?

Yes, "keep him company" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It follows standard grammatical rules and is widely understood.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "keep him company"?

It's appropriate to use "keep him company" in informal settings to describe providing social support and alleviating loneliness. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts where more specific terms might be more suitable.