Cool MateAccompany vs Partner
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Accompany
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Partner
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Most common: Partner
| Accompany | Partner | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈkʌmpəni/","/əˈkʌmpəniz/","/əˈkʌmpənid/","/əˈkʌmpəniɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈkʌmpəni/","/əˈkʌmpəniz/","/əˈkʌmpənid/","/əˈkʌmpəniɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈpɑːtnə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈpɑːrtnər/"]/ |
| Meaning | to go or be with someone | A person you work or share something with. |
| Example | I will accompany you to the concert this weekend. | She is my dance partner for the recital. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | accompany someone, accompany on a journey, accompany a song, accompany with, accompanying documents | bridge, doubles, tennis, choose, find, change, former, one-time, dominant, have, seek, find, full, equal, active, make somebody, find, seek, company, institution, organization, partner in, biggest, main, principal, partner in |
| Antonyms | leave, abandon, depart | enemy, opponent, rival |
| 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'. | Confusing 'partner' with 'spouse' when only referring to a romantic context., Using 'partner' in singular form without specifying an activity or relationship., Overusing 'partner' when the context calls for specific roles like 'employee' or 'colleague'. |
| 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. | Use 'partner' in both personal and professional contexts. It is appropriate to describe a romantic relationship as well as business collaborations. Avoid using it in very formal situations where 'associate' might be better. |
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Frequently asked questions: Accompany vs Partner
What's the difference between Accompany and Partner?
Accompany: to go or be with someone Partner: A person you work or share something with.
Which is more common: Accompany and Partner?
Partner is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Accompany and Partner?
Accompany is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Accompany and Partner the same CEFR level?
Accompany: B2, Partner: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Accompany and Partner?
Accompany: verb, Partner: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Accompany: I will accompany you to the concert this weekend. Partner: She is my dance partner for the recital.
Can I use Accompany and Partner interchangeably?
Not always. Accompany and Partner 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.