This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 adjective #800 most common 18 min read

accompany

Top 800

At the A1 level, 'accompany' is a bit difficult, but you can think of it as a fancy way to say 'go with' or 'come with.' If you are with your friend, you are accompanying them. For example, 'I accompany my mom to the shop.' It means you are together. You don't need to use this word often at A1; 'go with' is usually enough. But if you see it in a book, just remember it means 'together.'

At the A2 level, you might see 'accompany' in simple rules or signs. For example, 'Children must be with an adult' might be written as 'Children must be accompanied by an adult.' Here, 'accompanied by' means 'with.' It is a more formal way to speak. You might also hear it in music, like 'The piano accompanies the singer.' This means the piano plays while the person sings to help them sound better.

At the B1 level, you should start using 'accompany' in more formal situations, like writing an email or a school report. Instead of saying 'I sent a photo with the letter,' you can say 'The letter was accompanied by a photo.' This sounds more professional. You also use it for things that happen at the same time, like 'Rain often accompanies a storm.' It shows a connection between two things that happen together.

At the B2 level, 'accompany' is an important word for describing complex relationships. You use it to talk about abstract things, like 'Success is often accompanied by hard work.' It is also the standard word for musical support. You should know that 'accompany' is a transitive verb, so you say 'accompany someone' (no 'with'). You should also be comfortable using the adjective form 'accompanying' for documents or symptoms.

At the C1 level, you use 'accompany' to show precision in your writing. You might use it in academic papers to describe secondary phenomena: 'The primary reaction was accompanied by several minor side-effects.' You understand the social nuances—that 'accompanying' someone suggests a specific role, like a diplomat being accompanied by an advisor. You also use it to describe the harmony between different elements in art or food.

At the C2 level, 'accompany' is used with complete mastery of its various registers. You might use it philosophically to discuss how certain thoughts accompany certain actions. You are aware of its etymological roots and use it to create specific tones in literature. You can distinguish it perfectly from synonyms like 'escort,' 'attend,' or 'consort,' choosing 'accompany' when you want to emphasize a balanced or supporting simultaneous existence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

accompany in 30 Seconds

Accompany means to go with someone as a companion or to provide support, often in a formal or musical context.
It is a transitive verb, so you 'accompany someone' directly without using the word 'with' in active sentences.
In music, it refers to playing a supporting part for a soloist, like a piano accompanying a singer.
It also describes things that happen together, such as symptoms accompanying an illness or documents accompanying a letter.

The word accompany is a versatile and sophisticated verb (often functioning in its participial form 'accompanying' as an adjective) that describes the act of going somewhere with someone, existing alongside something, or providing a musical background. At its core, to accompany is to be a companion. In social contexts, it implies a level of partnership or formal attendance. When you accompany a friend to a gala, you aren't just following them; you are their guest, their peer, and their social support. This word elevates the simple act of 'going with' to a more intentional and often professional or formal level. It is frequently used in travel contexts, such as 'unaccompanied minors,' referring to children traveling without a legal guardian. The word carries a sense of completeness; one thing accompanies another to make the situation whole or to provide necessary support.

Social Context: In social settings, accompanying someone suggests a formal or semi-formal arrangement. It is often used in invitations or news reports regarding dignitaries and their spouses.

Beyond the physical act of walking or traveling together, accompany is a vital term in the world of music. An accompanist is a musician, typically a pianist or organist, who plays along with a soloist. Here, the word defines a relationship of support. The accompaniment must not overpower the soloist but must provide the harmonic and rhythmic foundation that allows the lead performer to shine. This technical usage highlights the word's inherent meaning of 'supporting' or 'adding to' something else to create a harmonious whole. Whether it is a violin sonata or a pop ballad, the accompanying instruments are essential for the depth of the performance.

The CEO was accompanied by her chief of staff during the high-stakes negotiations in Brussels.

In a more abstract or technical sense, accompany describes things that happen at the same time. For instance, a high fever often accompanies the flu. In this case, the fever is a 'companion' to the illness. In business and legal documentation, you will often see the phrase 'the accompanying documents.' This refers to papers that are sent along with a primary letter or contract. The use of the word here ensures that the recipient understands these items are part of a single package and should be considered together. It implies a logical and necessary connection between the primary object and its accompanying parts.

The word also finds its way into culinary descriptions. A fine wine might accompany a steak dinner, or a specific sauce might accompany a dish. In this context, it suggests a pairing that is designed to enhance the experience. The sauce is not the main event, but it is chosen specifically because it complements the main course. This reinforces the idea of accompaniment as something that adds value, context, or support to a primary subject. It is a word of relationship, indicating how two or more things interact to create a specific outcome or environment.

Thunder often accompanies lightning during summer storms in the Midwest.

Technical Usage: In scientific literature, 'accompanying' is used to denote phenomena that occur simultaneously with a primary reaction or event, often as a side effect or secondary characteristic.

Finally, the word carries a certain weight of responsibility. To accompany someone, especially in a professional or safety-related context, implies that you are looking out for them. A bodyguard accompanies a celebrity; a nurse might accompany a patient to another ward. This nuance of 'care' or 'supervision' is what makes the word so common in policy writing and safety manuals. It is more than just proximity; it is a functional and often protective relationship between the entities involved.

Please read the accompanying instructions before attempting to assemble the furniture.

Musical Role: The role of the accompanist is to follow the soloist's tempo and dynamics, creating a cohesive musical dialogue.

A feeling of dread accompanied him as he entered the abandoned house.

The singer was accompanied on the piano by a world-renowned virtuoso.

Using accompany correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature and its various forms. In its most basic form, the verb takes a direct object: 'I will accompany you.' You do not need a preposition like 'with' or 'to' between the verb and the person you are going with. This is perhaps the most frequent error made by learners who are translating directly from languages where a preposition is required. When using the word to describe people, it often implies a formal or supportive role. For example, 'The President was accompanied by the First Lady.' Here, the passive voice ('was accompanied by') is extremely common in news and formal reports to emphasize the primary figure while acknowledging their companions.

Active vs. Passive: Active: 'He will accompany the children.' Passive: 'The children must be accompanied by an adult.' The passive form is standard for rules and regulations.

When using accompany to describe things or events, it often appears in the present participle form as an adjective: 'accompanying.' You might say, 'Please refer to the accompanying diagram.' In this sentence, 'accompanying' modifies 'diagram,' telling the reader that the diagram is part of the same set of information. It can also be used to describe simultaneous occurrences: 'The rain was accompanied by strong winds.' In this context, it suggests that the two weather events are happening together, often as part of the same storm system. This usage is common in scientific, meteorological, and technical writing where precise descriptions of concurrent events are necessary.

Each application must be accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee of fifty dollars.

In the musical realm, the word is used to describe the relationship between performers. 'The pianist accompanied the violinist.' It can also be used in the passive: 'The violinist was accompanied by the pianist.' It is important to note that the accompanist is usually considered to be in a supporting role. If two people are playing as equals, you might use 'performed with' or 'collaborated with' instead. However, in classical music exams or recitals, 'accompany' is the standard technical term. It defines the structural role of the harmony and rhythm in relation to the melody.

The word is also used to describe emotional or psychological states that occur together. 'His success was accompanied by a sense of guilt.' This abstract usage allows writers to explore the complexity of human experience, where one feeling rarely exists in isolation. It suggests a causal or at least a correlative link between the two states. In literature, this is a powerful tool for character development, showing how a character's external actions are mirrored or contrasted by their internal 'accompanying' emotions.

The new policy was accompanied by a significant increase in public funding for local schools.

Business Documentation: In emails, use 'Please find the accompanying files' to sound more professional than 'I attached the files'.

In culinary contexts, the word is used to describe side dishes or garnishes. 'The salmon is accompanied by a lemon butter sauce and seasonal vegetables.' This usage is common in fine dining menus. It implies that the chef has carefully selected these items to create a balanced flavor profile. The word 'accompany' here sounds much more elegant and intentional than 'comes with.' It suggests a curated experience rather than a random collection of food items on a plate.

The professor asked the students to provide an accompanying bibliography with their research papers.

Travel & Safety: 'Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.' This is a standard phrase found in museums, theaters, and airports worldwide.

A slight tremor in her voice accompanied her otherwise calm explanation of the events.

The book is accompanied by an audio CD containing pronunciation exercises for learners.

You will encounter the word accompany in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. One of the most common places is at the airport or on public transport. Announcements regarding 'unaccompanied minors' are frequent, referring to children traveling without a parent or guardian. In this context, the word is a legal and safety term. It defines the status of the passenger and triggers specific protocols for the airline staff. Similarly, at tourist attractions or swimming pools, signs often state that 'children must be accompanied by an adult.' This usage is so standard that it has become part of the collective vocabulary of public safety and institutional rules.

The Airport: 'We have an unaccompanied minor on flight 402.' This phrase is used by gate agents and flight attendants to ensure the child is safely handed over to the correct person.

In the professional world, specifically in office environments and corporate communications, accompany is the go-to word for attachments and supplementary materials. When an executive sends a report, the email might say, 'Please review the accompanying data.' This sounds more professional and integrated than saying 'the data I attached.' It suggests that the data and the report are part of a single, cohesive thought process. In legal contracts, you will see 'accompanying schedules' or 'accompanying exhibits,' which are additional documents that provide detail to the main body of the contract. Here, the word has significant legal weight, as it binds the separate documents into one legal agreement.

The software update is accompanied by a detailed list of bug fixes and performance improvements.

The world of arts and entertainment is another major domain for this word. If you attend a classical music concert, the program will likely list the 'accompanist.' In reviews of musical theater or opera, critics might comment on how well the orchestra accompanied the singers. Even in modern pop music, the 'accompanying' instruments are those that support the lead vocal. Beyond music, in the world of fine art, an exhibition might be 'accompanied by' a series of lectures or a published catalog. In these instances, the word describes a multi-faceted cultural event where different elements work together to enhance the audience's understanding and enjoyment.

In the culinary and hospitality industry, accompany is used to describe the pairing of food and drink. A sommelier might suggest a specific white wine to accompany a seafood dish. A menu might describe a dessert as being 'accompanied by a raspberry coulis.' This usage elevates the dining experience, suggesting that the meal has been thoughtfully designed. It is a hallmark of high-end service and sophisticated marketing. When you hear this word in a restaurant, it usually signals that you are in a place that pays attention to detail and the harmony of flavors.

The guest speaker was accompanied by a translator to ensure the audience understood the nuances of his speech.

News & Media: 'The Prime Minister, accompanied by the Foreign Secretary, arrived in Washington this morning for the summit.'

Finally, you will hear this word in everyday polite conversation, though perhaps less frequently than 'go with.' If someone is walking home at night, a friend might say, 'Let me accompany you to your car.' This sounds more chivalrous or protective than 'I'll walk with you.' It is also used when offering to join someone for a task that might be tedious or intimidating, like 'I’d be happy to accompany you to the dentist if you’re nervous.' In these cases, the word emphasizes the supportive nature of the companionship, making it a valuable tool for expressing empathy and social grace.

The heavy rain was accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature, catching the hikers off guard.

Legal Context: 'Accompanying' documents are legally considered part of the main instrument they are attached to.

The singer's powerful voice was accompanied by a simple acoustic guitar melody.

The gift was accompanied by a handwritten note expressing her gratitude.

One of the most frequent mistakes English learners make with the word accompany is the addition of the preposition 'with' when using it in the active voice. Because many other languages (and even some English synonyms like 'go with') require a preposition, students often say, 'I will accompany with you.' This is grammatically incorrect. 'Accompany' is a transitive verb, meaning it acts directly on the object. The correct sentence is 'I will accompany you.' This mistake is particularly common because the passive form does use a preposition: 'He was accompanied by his dog.' Notice that even in the passive, the preposition is 'by,' not 'with.' Using 'with' in either the active or passive voice is a hallmark of non-native speech that can easily be corrected with practice.

The 'With' Trap: Incorrect: 'The document was accompanied with a letter.' Correct: 'The document was accompanied by a letter.' or 'The accompanying letter explained the document.'

Another common error is confusing accompany with 'follow.' While both words involve moving in the same direction as someone else, they have very different social connotations. To 'follow' someone often implies that you are behind them, perhaps without their knowledge or in a subordinate position. To 'accompany' someone implies that you are with them, usually side-by-side or as an invited companion. If you say, 'I followed her to the party,' it might sound like you were stalking her or didn't know the way. If you say, 'I accompanied her to the party,' it sounds like you were her date or a friend who went with her intentionally. Choosing the wrong word can significantly change the perceived relationship between the people involved.

Incorrect: I will accompany with the guest to the elevator. Correct: I will accompany the guest to the elevator.

In musical contexts, students sometimes confuse 'accompany' with 'play with.' While 'play with' is not wrong, 'accompany' is the specific technical term for a supporting role. If a pianist says, 'I played with the singer,' it could mean they were in a band together as equals. If they say, 'I accompanied the singer,' it clearly defines their role as providing the musical background for the vocalist. Using the more general term can sometimes obscure the professional nature of the relationship. Furthermore, 'accompany' should not be confused with 'escort.' While 'escort' is a synonym, it usually implies a more formal, protective, or even restrictive role (like a police escort or a security guard). 'Accompany' is broader and more neutral.

A subtle mistake occurs in the use of the adjective form 'accompanying.' Sometimes people use 'accompanied' when they mean 'accompanying.' For example, 'Please read the accompanied notes' is incorrect. It should be 'Please read the accompanying notes.' The present participle 'accompanying' acts as an adjective to describe something that is currently going along with something else. 'Accompanied' is the past participle and is usually used in the passive voice to describe the person or thing that has a companion (e.g., 'The king, accompanied by his guards...'). Confusing these two can make a sentence sound clunky and grammatically 'off' to a native speaker.

Incorrect: The accompanied manual is very helpful. Correct: The accompanying manual is very helpful.

Spelling Tip: Remember the double 'c' and the 'any' at the end: AC-COM-PANY. Many people forget the second 'c'.

Finally, avoid overusing 'accompany' in very informal situations. While it is a great word for business, music, and formal events, saying 'I will accompany you to the grocery store' to a close friend might sound a bit too formal or even sarcastic. In casual settings, 'go with' or 'come with' is much more natural. The key to mastering English is not just knowing the words, but knowing the appropriate register or level of formality for each situation. 'Accompany' is a high-level word that should be used when you want to sound precise, professional, or polite.

Incorrect: He accompanied me to the kitchen to get a glass of water. (Too formal) Better: He came with me to the kitchen.

Preposition Summary: Active: No preposition. Passive: Use 'by'. Adjective form: 'accompanying'.

The storm was accompanied by hail and lightning.

I will accompany the delegation to the conference room.

Understanding the synonyms of accompany helps you choose the most precise word for your context. While 'go with' is the most common alternative, it lacks the formality and nuance of 'accompany.' Another close synonym is escort. However, 'escort' carries a stronger connotation of protection or formality. You might escort a guest to their room or a prisoner to a cell. It implies a more structured, often one-way relationship where the escort is the one in charge or providing the service. 'Accompany' is more egalitarian and can be used for friends, colleagues, or even abstract concepts like 'symptoms accompanying a disease,' where 'escort' would be completely inappropriate.

Accompany vs. Escort: Accompany: General, formal, or musical. Escort: Protective, formal, or restrictive. Example: 'The guard escorted the visitor,' but 'The pianist accompanied the singer.'

Another interesting alternative is attend. In older English or very formal modern English, 'attend' can mean to accompany someone as a servant or assistant. For example, 'The Queen was attended by her ladies-in-waiting.' In modern usage, 'attend' usually means to be present at an event (e.g., 'attend a meeting'). However, when used to mean 'accompany,' it suggests a hierarchical relationship where the person attending is of lower status or is providing a specific service to the person being attended. This is much more specific than the general sense of 'accompany.'

The general was escorted by a motorcade of police vehicles.

In technical or scientific contexts, you might use coexist or concur. While 'accompany' describes things happening together, 'coexist' emphasizes that they exist in the same space or time without necessarily interacting. 'Concur' is often used for events happening at the same time. For example, 'The two symptoms concurred' means they happened simultaneously. However, 'accompany' is often preferred when one thing is clearly the primary focus and the other is a secondary or supporting feature. For instance, 'The rash accompanied the fever' suggests the fever is the main issue, and the rash is an 'accompanying' symptom.

For musical contexts, there aren't many direct synonyms for 'accompany' that carry the same technical weight. You could say 'back' (e.g., 'The band backed the singer'), but this is much more informal and usually associated with rock or pop music. In classical music, 'accompany' is the only appropriate term. If you are talking about a collaboration where both parties are equal, you should use 'perform with' or 'collaborate with.' This distinguishes the partnership from the supportive role implied by 'accompany.'

The guitarist backed the vocalist during the intimate acoustic set.

Accompany vs. Follow: Follow: To go after someone. Accompany: To go with someone. Example: 'The dog followed its owner,' but 'The owner was accompanied by his dog.'

Finally, consider the word chaperone. This is a very specific type of accompaniment, usually involving an adult supervising younger people in a social setting. You might chaperone a school dance or a field trip. It implies a protective and supervisory role that 'accompany' does not necessarily have. While all chaperones accompany their groups, not everyone who accompanies someone is a chaperone. Choosing 'chaperone' adds a layer of social context regarding age and responsibility that 'accompany' lacks.

Several parents volunteered to chaperone the class trip to the science museum.

Comparison Table: Go with: Informal. Accompany: Formal/General. Escort: Formal/Protective. Back: Informal/Musical.

The main course was complemented by a side of roasted asparagus.

The researcher noted that the chemical reaction was accompanied by a rapid release of heat.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root of 'accompany' is the same as 'pantry' and 'companion'—they all relate to 'panis', the Latin word for bread. So, originally, an accompanist was someone you shared your bread with!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /əˈkʌm.pə.ni/

US /əˈkʌm.pə.ni/

ac-CUM-pa-ny

Rhymes With

company any penny many benny gluttony harmony agony

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'o' like 'go' (it should be 'uh' like 'up').
Forgetting the second 'c' sound.
Stressing the first syllable.
Adding an extra 'i' sound before the 'any'.
Pronouncing the 'pany' as 'painy'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and formal texts, easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Requires care with prepositions (avoiding 'with' in active voice).

Speaking 4/5

Often replaced by 'go with' in casual speech, but good for formal situations.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to hear in announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

with go friend music play

Learn Next

escort chaperone simultaneous complement supplement

Advanced

concomitant adjunct ancillary consort retinue

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verbs

You accompany someone (Direct Object).

Passive Voice with 'By'

The singer was accompanied BY the pianist.

Present Participle as Adjective

The accompanying notes are on page 10.

Gerunds

Accompanying a child requires patience.

Subject-Verb Agreement

Thunder accompanies lightning.

Examples by Level

I accompany my friend to the park.

I go with my friend to the park.

Simple present tense.

She will accompany him to the store.

She will go with him to the store.

Future tense with 'will'.

Does your dog accompany you?

Does your dog go with you?

Question form.

They accompany us every day.

They come with us every day.

Present tense.

Please accompany me to the door.

Please walk with me to the door.

Imperative (polite request).

He likes to accompany his sister.

He likes to go with his sister.

Infinitive after 'likes to'.

We accompany the teacher to the bus.

We go with the teacher to the bus.

Simple present.

You can accompany me if you want.

You can come with me if you want.

Modal verb 'can'.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Children must be with a grown-up.

Passive voice with 'must be'.

The piano accompanied the singer.

The piano played with the singer.

Past tense.

A salad accompanies the main meal.

A salad comes with the main food.

Simple present.

He was accompanied by his parents.

He was with his parents.

Passive voice past tense.

The rain was accompanied by thunder.

The rain happened with thunder.

Passive voice.

I would like to accompany you on your trip.

I want to go with you on your trip.

Polite desire with 'would like to'.

The book is accompanied by a CD.

The book comes with a CD.

Passive voice present tense.

She accompanied her friend to the hospital.

She went with her friend to the hospital.

Simple past tense.

The application should be accompanied by a photo.

The form should have a photo with it.

Passive voice with 'should be'.

Strong winds often accompany heavy snow.

Strong winds usually happen at the same time as heavy snow.

Simple present.

He accompanied his speech with a slide show.

He used a slide show during his speech.

Active voice with 'with' used for a tool/method.

The singer was accompanied on the guitar by her brother.

Her brother played guitar while she sang.

Complex passive voice.

Please read the accompanying notes carefully.

Please read the notes that come with this.

Adjective use of 'accompanying'.

A feeling of joy accompanied her success.

She felt joy when she succeeded.

Abstract subject.

The tour guide will accompany the group all day.

The guide will stay with the group all day.

Future tense.

He asked if he could accompany her home.

He asked to walk her home.

Reported speech / Modal 'could'.

The fever was accompanied by a persistent cough.

The fever happened along with a cough.

Medical context, passive voice.

The CEO was accompanied by a team of legal advisors.

The CEO had lawyers with her.

Formal professional context.

Each dish is accompanied by a carefully selected wine.

Each food item is paired with a specific wine.

Culinary context.

The economic growth was accompanied by rising inflation.

As the economy grew, prices also went up.

Economic context.

She provided an accompanying explanation for her data.

She gave an extra explanation for the numbers.

Adjective use in academic context.

The soloist was accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra.

The whole orchestra played for the one performer.

Musical technical term.

The changes were accompanied by much public debate.

People talked a lot about the changes as they happened.

Social/Political context.

He felt a sense of relief accompanied by deep exhaustion.

He was relieved but also very tired.

Describing simultaneous emotions.

The shift in policy was accompanied by a restructuring of the department.

The new policy caused the department to change its structure.

Formal institutional context.

The author's vivid descriptions are accompanied by haunting illustrations.

The book has great writing and scary pictures.

Literary/Artistic context.

A certain degree of risk necessarily accompanies any new venture.

New businesses always have some risk.

Philosophical/Business nuance.

The diplomat was accompanied by an entourage of security personnel.

The diplomat had many guards with him.

High-level vocabulary ('entourage').

The rise of social media has been accompanied by concerns over privacy.

As social media grew, people started worrying about privacy.

Present perfect passive.

The symphony's final movement is accompanied by a powerful choral section.

The end of the music has a big choir singing.

Specific musical structure.

His silence was accompanied by a look of profound disappointment.

He didn't speak, and he looked very sad.

Nuanced emotional description.

The accompanying documentation provides a comprehensive overview of the project.

The extra papers explain the whole project.

Professional/Technical adjective use.

The phenomenon is often accompanied by a subtle shift in the electromagnetic field.

This event usually happens with a small change in energy.

Scientific/Technical precision.

The grandeur of the palace was accompanied by an air of tragic decadence.

The palace was beautiful but felt sad and old-fashioned.

Literary/Aesthetic nuance.

The philosopher argued that true freedom is always accompanied by responsibility.

If you are free, you must be responsible.

Abstract philosophical assertion.

The treaty's signing was accompanied by a series of symbolic gestures of peace.

When they signed the treaty, they did things to show they wanted peace.

Diplomatic/Historical context.

The patient's recovery was accompanied by a renewed interest in his artistic pursuits.

As he got better, he started painting again.

Psychological/Medical observation.

The technological revolution was accompanied by a fundamental shift in human interaction.

New tech changed how people talk to each other.

Sociological analysis.

Her brilliance was accompanied by a notorious lack of patience for mediocrity.

She was very smart but hated things that weren't perfect.

Character study/Nuance.

The accompanying soundtrack perfectly captures the film's melancholic tone.

The music in the movie matches its sad feeling.

Critical analysis of media.

Synonyms

escort attend conduct follow supplement join

Antonyms

abandon desert leave

Common Collocations

accompany someone to

be accompanied by

unaccompanied minor

musical accompaniment

accompanying documents

closely accompany

frequently accompany

willingly accompany

accompany on the piano

must be accompanied

Common Phrases

To accompany someone's every move

Accompanying measures

Keep someone company

In the company of

Part company

An accompanying feature

Accompany someone to the grave

Without accompaniment

Accompanying illustration

Accompanying symptoms

Often Confused With

accompany vs follow

Follow means to go after; accompany means to go with.

accompany vs escort

Escort implies protection or formality; accompany is more general.

accompany vs attend

Attend usually means to be present at; accompany means to go with someone.

Idioms & Expressions

"Keep someone company"

To spend time with someone so they don't feel lonely.

Would you like me to keep you company while you cook?

informal

"Part company"

To end a relationship or to disagree fundamentally on a path forward.

This is where we part company; I cannot support this plan.

neutral

"In good company"

To be in the same situation as other people, often successful or famous ones.

If you failed that test, you're in good company; Einstein failed it too!

informal

"Misery loves company"

People who are unhappy like to share their unhappiness with others.

She's trying to make everyone else sad too; misery loves company.

informal

"Two's company, three's a crowd"

Two people (often a couple) are better off alone than with a third person.

I think I'll leave you two alone. Two's company, three's a crowd.

informal

"Known by the company one keeps"

People judge your character based on the friends you have.

Be careful who you hang out with; you are known by the company you keep.

neutral

"Company man"

A person who is very loyal to the company they work for, often putting its interests above their own.

He'll never speak against the boss; he's a real company man.

neutral

"Present company excepted"

Used to say that a critical remark does not apply to the people currently present.

Politicians are all liars, present company excepted, of course.

neutral

"For company"

Doing something just to have someone else around.

I brought the dog along for company.

informal

"Keep company with"

To regularly spend time with someone, often used in a romantic or suspicious sense.

She has been keeping company with a young man from the village.

slightly old-fashioned

Easily Confused

accompany vs Escort

Both mean going with someone.

Escort is more formal and often implies protection or leading. Accompany is more about being a companion.

The guard escorted the prisoner, but the friend accompanied the bride.

accompany vs Follow

Both involve movement in the same direction.

Follow means you are behind the person. Accompany means you are with them.

The dog followed me, but my friend accompanied me.

accompany vs Chaperone

Both involve going with someone for a reason.

Chaperone is specifically for an adult supervising younger people. Accompany is general.

I will accompany you to the store, but I will chaperone the school dance.

accompany vs Consort

Both mean spending time with someone.

Consort is very formal or literary and often suggests a negative association.

He was seen to consort with rebels.

accompany vs Conduct

Both mean going with someone to a place.

Conduct means to lead or guide someone through a place.

The guide conducted us through the museum.

Sentence Patterns

I accompany [person].

I accompany my friend.

[Person] was accompanied by [person].

He was accompanied by his mother.

[Thing] accompanies [thing].

Rain accompanies the storm.

The accompanying [noun]...

The accompanying documents are attached.

[Musician] accompanied [soloist] on [instrument].

He accompanied her on the piano.

[Abstract noun] is accompanied by [abstract noun].

Freedom is accompanied by responsibility.

Unaccompanied by [noun]...

Unaccompanied by any evidence, the claim was rejected.

[Phenomenon] was accompanied by [subtle change].

The reaction was accompanied by a release of energy.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal writing, music, and official announcements.

Common Mistakes

I will accompany with you. → I will accompany you.
Accompany is a transitive verb and does not need a preposition in the active voice.
The singer was accompanied with a piano. → The singer was accompanied by a piano.
In the passive voice, the correct preposition is 'by'.
Please read the accompanied notes. → Please read the accompanying notes.
Use the present participle 'accompanying' as an adjective for things that go with something else.
He followed me to the party. (When they went together) → He accompanied me to the party.
'Follow' implies being behind; 'accompany' implies being together as companions.
I am accompaning him. → I am accompanying him.
Don't forget the 'y' before the 'ing'.

Tips

No 'With' in Active Voice

Never say 'accompany with'. Just say 'accompany someone'. This is the most important rule for this word.

Musical Context

Use 'accompany' when talking about a piano player supporting a singer. It makes you sound like an expert.

Business Emails

Use 'Please find the accompanying documents' instead of 'I attached the files' for a more professional tone.

Polite Offers

Offering to 'accompany' someone home sounds very polite and caring in formal English.

Describing Symptoms

When talking to a doctor, use 'accompany' to describe symptoms that happen together, like 'nausea accompanies my headache'.

Double C

Remember: AC + COMPANY. Two 'c's, one 'm', and 'company' at the end.

Legal Documents

In contracts, 'accompanying' ensures that separate pages are treated as part of the same legal agreement.

Food Pairing

Use 'accompany' to describe how a wine or sauce matches a main dish. It's great for writing menus or reviews.

Airport Rules

Look for 'accompanied' on signs at airports and train stations to know if you need to be with someone else.

Accompany vs Follow

Remember that accompanying is social and side-by-side, while following is just going after someone.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

AC-COMPANY: Think of 'A Company'. A company is a group of people who are together. To AC-COMPANY is to join that group or person.

Visual Association

Imagine a pianist playing softly while a singer performs. The pianist is 'accompanying' the singer.

Word Web

Together Music Escort Support Simultaneous Companion Friend Document

Challenge

Try to use 'accompany' three times today: once for a person, once for music, and once for an object (like a document).

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French word 'accompagner', which comes from 'a-' (to) and 'compagnon' (companion). The root is the Latin 'companio', literally meaning 'one who eats bread with another' (com- 'with' + panis 'bread').

Original meaning: To be a companion to someone, specifically to share a meal or a journey.

Romance / Indo-European

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'escort' can sometimes have a sexual connotation in certain contexts, whereas 'accompany' is always neutral and safe.

It is considered polite to offer to accompany someone if they are walking alone at night or going to a difficult meeting.

Unaccompanied Cello Suites by J.S. Bach (music played without accompaniment). The 'unaccompanied minor' policy of major airlines like Delta or British Airways. Famous accompanists like Gerald Moore, who wrote 'The Unashamed Accompanist'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Travel

Unaccompanied minor
Must be accompanied by an adult
Accompany to the gate
Accompany on the journey

Music

Piano accompaniment
Accompany the soloist
Unaccompanied solo
Accompany on the guitar

Business

Accompanying documents
Accompany the report
Accompany the delegation
Accompanying measures

Medical

Accompanying symptoms
Accompany the patient
Fever accompanied by
Pain accompanied by

Social

Accompany a friend
Keep someone company
Accompany to the party
Willing to accompany

Conversation Starters

"Would you like me to accompany you to the event tonight?"

"What kind of music do you think should accompany a romantic dinner?"

"Have you ever had to accompany someone to a difficult appointment?"

"Do you prefer to travel alone or be accompanied by friends?"

"Which instrument do you think best accompanies a solo violin?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you accompanied someone on an important journey. What was the experience like?

Write about a feeling that often accompanies success for you. Is it joy, relief, or perhaps anxiety?

If you were a singer, which instrument would you want to accompany you, and why?

Think about a major life change you've made. What accompanying changes happened in your life at the same time?

Discuss the importance of 'accompanying documents' in a professional setting. Why is it important to keep things together?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, this is a common mistake. 'Accompany' is a transitive verb, so you say 'I will accompany you.' You do not need the word 'with'.

This is a term used by airlines for a child traveling alone without a parent or guardian. The airline provides special assistance for them.

Yes, 'accompany' is much more formal. You would use it in business, music, or formal social invitations. In casual talk, 'go with' is more common.

In music, it means to play a supporting instrument (like a piano) while someone else sings or plays the main melody. The supporting music is called the 'accompaniment'.

Yes, for example, 'A high fever often accompanies the flu.' This means they happen at the same time.

'Accompanying' is an adjective for things that go with something (e.g., accompanying notes). 'Accompanied' is the past tense or passive form (e.g., he was accompanied by his dog).

It is spelled A-C-C-O-M-P-A-N-Y. Don't forget the double 'C'!

Yes, in the world of music, an accompanist is a professional who plays for singers or other instrumentalists.

Yes, a menu might say 'The fish is accompanied by seasonal vegetables.' It sounds more elegant than 'comes with'.

Words like 'abandon', 'leave', or 'precede' (go before) can be opposites depending on the context.

Test Yourself 192 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'accompany' in the active voice.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Ensure no 'with' is used.