What Does “Consort with sb” Mean?
“Consort with sb” means to spend time with someone, often implying association with people who might have a bad reputation or be disapproved of by others.
Introduction
The phrase consort with sb is a formal or somewhat old-fashioned expression used when talking about spending time or associating with someone. Usually, it carries a negative or suspicious tone, suggesting that the person you are consorting with might not be trustworthy or is involved in questionable activities. Understanding the consort with sb meaning helps learners recognize when this phrase is appropriate, especially in spoken or written English where relationships or associations are discussed. This phrase is often found in literature, news reports, or formal discussions rather than casual conversations.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: consort with somebody
- Type: Intransitive (always followed by a preposition and object)
- Level: B2–C1 (Upper-intermediate to advanced)
- Meaning: To associate or keep company with someone, often negatively
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Consort with sb” is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot separate “consort” and “with” by placing an object between them. The correct structure is:
- Consort + with + somebody
Examples of correct patterns:
- He consorts with criminals.
- She was warned not to consort with strangers.
How to Use “Consort with sb”?
Use “consort with sb” when you want to highlight that someone is spending time or associating with another person, usually suggesting suspicion or disapproval. It is often used in formal or serious contexts and less common in everyday casual speech.
For example, if a politician is seen spending time with suspicious people, a news report might say, “The politician consorted with known criminals.”
Examples
- He was caught consorting with the wrong crowd late at night.
- She refused to consort with anyone involved in illegal activities.
- The company warned its employees not to consort with competitors.
- It is dangerous to consort with people you do not trust.
- The detective consorted with informants to gather information.
Here, you can see consort with sb in a sentence clearly showing the association or relationship.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: He consorts criminals.
Correct: He consorts with criminals. - Incorrect: She consorted the wrong people.
Correct: She consorted with the wrong people. - Incorrect: They consorted in secret.
Correct: They consorted with each other in secret.
Remember, “with” is necessary after “consort” to make the phrase grammatically correct.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include associate with, hang out with, and keep company with. However, “consort with sb” usually has a negative or suspicious tone, while the others are neutral or positive.
- Associate with: Neutral, means to be connected or involved with someone.
- Hang out with: Informal, means to spend time socially.
- Keep company with: Formal, similar to “consort with” but less negative.
For example, “He associates with many artists” is neutral. But “He consorts with criminals” suggests disapproval.
Common Collocations
- Consort with criminals
- Consort with strangers
- Consort with informants
- Consort with enemies
- Consort with people
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Have you heard about Mark lately?
John: No, why?
Anna: He’s been consorting with some suspicious characters downtown.
John: That doesn’t sound good. He should be careful about who he spends time with.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase:
1. The mayor was accused of _______ with corrupt officials.
2. It’s unwise to _______ with people you don’t trust.
3. She refused to _______ with anyone involved in the scandal.
FAQs
- Q: Is “consort with sb” positive or negative?
A: It usually has a negative or suspicious meaning. - Q: Can I say “consort sb”?
A: No, always say “consort with sb.” - Q: Is “consort with” formal?
A: Yes, it is more formal and less common in casual speech. - Q: What is a synonym for “consort with sb”?
A: “Associate with” or “keep company with” can be used but may lack the negative tone. - Q: Can “consort with” be used in positive contexts?
A: Rarely; it mostly implies disapproval or suspicion.
