Cool MateAccompany vs Come along
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Accompany
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Come along
Top 2,000 (common)
| Accompany | Come along | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈkʌmpəni/","/əˈkʌmpəniz/","/əˈkʌmpənid/","/əˈkʌmpəniɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈkʌmpəni/","/əˈkʌmpəniz/","/əˈkʌmpənid/","/əˈkʌmpəniɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //kʌm əˈlɒŋ//🇺🇸 //kʌm əˈlɔːŋ// |
| Meaning | to go or be with someone | to arrive or join someone or something |
| Example | I will accompany you to the concert this weekend. | Why don't you come along to the concert with us? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | accompany someone, accompany on a journey, accompany a song, accompany with, accompanying documents | come along for the ride, come along with, come along to a meeting |
| Antonyms | leave, abandon, depart | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'accomplice' which means someone who helps in a crime., Using 'accompanied' without an object when it needs one., Saying 'accompany with' instead of just 'accompany'. | 'Come along to' is used incorrectly when implying destination., Mixing up with 'come on' which has a more encouraging tone., Using inappropriately in formal invitations. |
| Usage notes | Used when one person goes along with another. Common in formal contexts, such as in professional settings or when talking about music. Not typically used in casual conversations about friends. | Used to invite someone to join in an activity. It is more friendly than formal. Avoid in very formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Accompany vs Come along
What's the difference between Accompany and Come along?
Accompany: to go or be with someone Come along: to arrive or join someone or something
Can you show an example of each?
Accompany: I will accompany you to the concert this weekend. Come along: Why don't you come along to the concert with us?
Can I use Accompany and Come along interchangeably?
Not always. Accompany and Come along are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.