Cool MateAccompany vs Companion
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Accompany
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Companion
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
| Accompany | Companion | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈkʌmpəni/","/əˈkʌmpəniz/","/əˈkʌmpənid/","/əˈkʌmpəniɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈkʌmpəni/","/əˈkʌmpəniz/","/əˈkʌmpənid/","/əˈkʌmpəniɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/kəmˈpænjən/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kəmˈpænjən/"]/ |
| Meaning | to go or be with someone | A friend or someone you spend time with. |
| Example | I will accompany you to the concert this weekend. | She brought her trusty companion on the hiking trip to explore the mountains together. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | accompany someone, accompany on a journey, accompany a song, accompany with, accompanying documents | agreeable, boon, charming, animal, companion for, companion to, agreeable, boon, charming, animal, companion for, companion to |
| Antonyms | leave, abandon, depart | enemy, rival, loner |
| 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'. | Using 'companion' to refer to a business associate instead of a personal friend., Confusing 'companion' with 'partner' in all contexts., Using 'companions' inappropriately in singular contexts. |
| 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. | Commonly used for pets, friends, or people who accompany you. Not often used in a formal context. Avoid using it to refer to someone you don't have a close relationship with. |
Frequently asked questions: Accompany vs Companion
What's the difference between Accompany and Companion?
Accompany: to go or be with someone Companion: A friend or someone you spend time with.
Which is more advanced: Accompany and Companion?
Companion is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Accompany and Companion the same CEFR level?
Accompany: B2, Companion: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Accompany and Companion?
Accompany: verb, Companion: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Accompany: I will accompany you to the concert this weekend. Companion: She brought her trusty companion on the hiking trip to explore the mountains together.
Can I use Accompany and Companion interchangeably?
Not always. Accompany and Companion 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.