Meaning & use
the company
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountablebusiness
A business organization that makes money by selling goods or services.
Grammar: Countable; can be used with singular or plural verb in British English, but usually singular in American English.
Patterns
- work for a company
- start a company
- a company that does something
She works for a software company in San Francisco.
The company was founded in 1995 and now has offices worldwide.
He started his own company after leaving his job.
noununcountable
The state of being with other people; the people you are with.
Grammar: Uncountable in this sense; you cannot say 'a company' to mean people you are with. Use 'in someone's company' or 'keep someone company'.
Patterns
- in someone's company
- keep someone company
- enjoy someone's company
I really enjoy her company; she's so funny.
He kept me company while I waited for the doctor.
After being alone all week, I was ready for some company.
noununcountable
A group of people who are together for a social reason, such as guests or visitors.
Grammar: Uncountable; often used in phrases like 'we have company' meaning guests have arrived.
Patterns
- have company
- expect company
- be in good company
We're having company for dinner, so I need to clean the house.
She's in good company; many successful people have failed at first.
Word forms
| plural | companies |
|---|
Common combinations
- work for a company
- He works for a large insurance company.
- keep someone company
- I'll keep you company while you wait.
- in good company
- If you made that mistake, you're in good company.
- company policy
- Company policy does not allow personal calls at work.
- part company
- After ten years, they decided to part company.
Synonyms and how they differ
- firm
- Often used for professional businesses like law or accounting firms; 'company' is more general.
- business
- Can mean a company or the activity of making money; 'company' specifically refers to the organization.
- corporation
- A large company or group of companies; more formal and legal.
Opposites
Word family
- companion noun
- A person who travels with or spends time with you.
- companionship noun
- The good feeling of being with someone; friendship.
- accompany verb
- To go somewhere with someone.
Commonly confused: the company or campaign?
the company vs campaign
A campaign is an organized series of actions to achieve a goal, often political or military. A company is a business or the people you are with.
Practice
I really enjoy ______; she always makes me laugh.
Choose one answer.
In this sense, 'company' is uncountable and takes a possessive: 'her company' means being with her. 'The company' would mean a business, which does not fit. 'A company' is also a business, not the state of being with someone.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the company”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.