The Difference Between “Accompany,” “Attend,” “Convoy,” and “Escort”
English learners often confuse the verbs accompany, attend, convoy, and escort because they all involve being with someone or something. However, each word has distinct meanings and usage contexts. This guide will explain their differences in detail.
1. Accompany
Definition: To go somewhere with someone as a companion or to provide support.
Key Features:
- Implies a sense of companionship or assistance.
- Often used in social or musical contexts.
- Does not necessarily imply protection or formality.
Examples:
- “She accompanied her friend to the concert.”
- “The pianist accompanied the singer during the performance.”
2. Attend
Definition: To be present at an event, meeting, or place, often in a professional or formal capacity.
Key Features:
- Focuses on presence rather than companionship.
- Commonly used in professional, medical, or educational settings.
- Can imply responsibility (e.g., a doctor attending a patient).
Examples:
- “He attended the business conference last week.”
- “The nurse attended to the injured patient.”
3. Convoy
Definition: To travel with a group of vehicles or ships for protection, often in a military or security context.
Key Features:
- Primarily used for groups (vehicles, ships, or troops).
- Strong emphasis on protection or organized movement.
- Less common in everyday speech; more formal or military.
Examples:
- “The supply trucks were convoyed by armed soldiers.”
- “Warships convoyed the merchant vessels through dangerous waters.”
4. Escort
Definition: To accompany someone for protection, honor, or guidance, often in a formal or official capacity.
Key Features:
- Implies a protective or guiding role.
- Can be used for individuals or groups.
- Often formal (e.g., police escort, VIP escort).
Examples:
- “The bodyguard escorted the celebrity to the event.”
- “The police escorted the protesters safely out of the area.”
Comparison Table
| Verb | Primary Meaning | Context | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accompany | Go with someone as a companion | Social, musical | Neutral |
| Attend | Be present at an event or assist | Professional, medical | Formal/Neutral |
| Convoy | Travel with a group for protection | Military, security | Formal |
| Escort | Accompany for protection or honor | Security, VIP | Formal |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using “attend” instead of “accompany”: “She attended her friend to the party” (incorrect) → “She accompanied her friend to the party.”
- Using “convoy” for individuals: “The guard convoyed the president” (incorrect) → “The guard escorted the president.”
- Using “escort” casually: “I escorted my sister to school” (unnatural) → “I accompanied my sister to school.”
Final Tips
- Accompany = companionship or support.
- Attend = presence or professional assistance.
- Convoy = group protection (vehicles/ships).
- Escort = formal or protective accompaniment.