Companion vs. company

Question

Hi,Can I use companion instead of company in the following sentences without changing the meaning?1. A dog would be good company.    --A dog would be a good companion.2. Would you like to have some company, or would you rather go there by yourself?    --Would you like to have some companions, or would you rather go there by yourself?Can I use company instead of companion in #3 without changing the meaning?3. I have a dog. It is my companion/company.Thanks.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

In general, "companion" implies a much closer relationship than "company."
Therefore I'd say that you cannot substitute one for the other without changing the meaning.

You would have "some company" in a taxicab with a couple of complete strangers.

It's true that people sometimes advertise for a "companion," perhaps on a trip. But we can assume that traveling companions on a trip would eventually become better acquainted.

When we say, "Jane is good company," we mean she's pleasant/fun to be with.
When we say, "Jane is a good companion," we're probably referring to an established relationship.

Anonymous · Answer

Hi Avangi,
Thank you for your reply, but I still have some questions here:

AvangiYou would have "some company" in a taxicab with a couple of complete strangers.

I can't use 'some companions' in this case, right?

AvangiIt's true that people sometimes advertise for a "companion," perhaps on a trip. But we can assume that traveling companions on a trip would eventually become better acquainted.

Can I use "traveling company" in the case? Would they mean the same thing?

Avangi"Jane is a good companion," we're probably referring to an established relationship.

Do you mean Jane is not a stranger and she might be a friend or a relative and pleasant to be with?

Does 'company' sound natural in the sentence?
I have a dog. It is my company.

Is it true that 'company' refers to without an established relationship?

Avangi · Answer

Generally speaking, when you substitute one for the other it would not be incorrect in a strict sense. Native speakers would understand that you're "taking liberties" and would go along with the "joke."

AnonymousAvangiYou would have "some company" in a taxicab with a couple of complete strangers.

I can't use 'some companions' in this case, right?

If a house fly refuses to stop buzzing around your head, you could say "I have company," or "I have a new companion."
People will get your meaning.
You can refer to strangers in a cab or elevator as "company." "I had company on the way down." "I had company part of the way home." (You may or may not have spoken to these people.)
I wouldn't substitute "companions" except "tongue in cheek." (joking)

If you want to be alone with someone and you see people coming, you might say to your friend, "Oh-oh! We've got company!"

AnonymousAvangi"Jane is a good companion," we're probably referring to an established relationship.

Do you mean Jane is not a stranger and she might be a friend or a relative and pleasant to be with?

Yes.

AnonymousDoes 'company' sound natural in the sentence? I have a dog. It is my company.

Yes.

AnonymousIs it true that 'company' refers to without an established relationship?

Generally speaking, yes.

But we often say things like, "I had to go on a boring business trip last week, so I took my wife along for company."
We wouldn't say ". . . . so I took my wife along as a companion." Things seem to be reversed here. My wife is already my companion, whether she's with me or not.
We mean, "I took her along so I wouldn't be alone." "I took her along to keep me company."

Anonymous · Answer

Hi Avangi,

AvangiIt's true that people sometimes advertise for a "companion," perhaps on a trip. But we can assume that traveling companions on a trip would eventually become better acquainted.

Is "traveling company" also OK in the quote above ?

Generally speaking, when you substitute one for the other it would not be incorrect in a strict sense. Native speakers would understand that you're "taking liberties" and would go along with the "joke."

Could you please explain what you mean by 'go along with the 'joke'?

If a house fly refuses to stop buzzing around your head, you could say "I have company," or "I have a new companion."

Do "company" and "companion" mean the same in the quote above?

I'm confused about the word 'company' in the sentence "I have a dog. It is my company."
Why can I use 'company' here? If I am the owner of the dog, I should have some relationship with the dog.

Thank you very much for your helpful answers.

Avangi · Answer

Your relationship can exist on more than one level. I tried to make that point when I described the guy who took his wife along on the business trip for company.

Sometimes you simply don't want to be alone. The dog could be sleeping at your feet. The two of you may not be engaged in any way at the time. Nevertheless, it gives you comfort to know he's there.
On other occasions, you may be engaged in some activity.

Anonymous · Answer

Hi Avangi,

N: "I'll keep you company till the train comes."
J: "I'm glad to have you as a companion/ as company while waiting for the train."
Can I use as a companion or as company in the above sentence? Do they mean the same here?

"Margot came to stay for a week as company for my mother while I was away."
Can I use as a companion instead of as company here? Do they mean the same?

Thanks!

Avangi · Answer

AnonymousJ: "I'm glad to have you as a companion/ as company while waiting for the train."

I would only use "as company" in this situation.
"As a companion" would not be incorrect, but it would be unnatural, particularly where the short term nature of the union is specifically stated.

Anonymous"Margot came to stay for a week as company for my mother while I was away."Can I use as a companion instead of as company here? Do they mean the same?

Either one would be appropriate under these circumstances.
The "meanings" would be the same, but the "implications" for the relationship might be a bit different.

Anonymous · Answer

Avangi"Margot came to stay for a week as company for my mother while I was away."Can I use as a companion instead of as company here? Do they mean the same?Either one would be appropriate under these circumstances.The "meanings" would be the same, but the "implications" for the relationship might be a bit different.

Hi Avangi,
Many thanks for your answer. I can't figure out their different implications here, so could you please explain it more?

Avangi · Answer

It's not that complicated.
"Company" always implies a more casual relationship.
"Companion" always implies a deeper relationship.

Additional context would fill out/in the details.

Anonymous · Answer

Hi Avangi,
"Margot came to stay for a week as company for my mother while I was away."

Avangi"Company" always implies a more casual relationship.

Do you mean their relationship between Margot and the mother is not close at all and they might not spend time together often?

Thanks.

Companion vs. company

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