and co

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Used after a name to mean that person together with their friends, family or associates.

   Grammar: Follows a person's name: Dave and co. were late.

   Patterns

   • someone and co

   Dave and co. arrived late for the match.

   I'll ask Sarah and co. if they want to join us.

   The teacher and co. organized the school trip.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasebusiness

   Used in a company name, shortened from 'and Company', to show that others besides the named person are partners in the business.

   Grammar: Usually written 'and Co.' after a family name: Smith and Co.

   Patterns

   • Name and Co.

   Their grandfather founded Brown and Co. in 1920.

   The letter came from Taylor and Co., a firm of solicitors.

   Jones and Co. have supplied our shop for years.

Common combinations

Smith and Co.

Smith and Co. have been selling tea since 1890.

and co. arrived

Tom and co. arrived just as dinner started.

you and co.

Will you and co. be coming to the party?

the boss and co.

The boss and co. are meeting clients today.

and co. are coming

Jim and co. are coming to the barbecue on Saturday.

Synonyms and how they differ

and company

This is the fuller and more formal version, used in company names.

and friends

This is plainer and warmer, whereas 'and co' can sound jokey or slightly dismissive.

and the gang

This is more humorous and suggests a close, fun-loving group.

and associates

This is the usual business phrase for a firm's partners or staff, and sounds more professional.

Word family

company noun

a business, or the people with you

co. abbreviation

short for company

companion noun

a person who goes with you

Commonly confused: and co or etc.? and co or Inc.?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “and co”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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