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Yuan
Hello. Is it right to say “make company” like “ He could tell I felt lonely, and he made company for me”? I appreciate your answer.
Feb 5, 2025 5:06 AM
Answers · 4
2
No, "make company" is not a natural phrase in English. A more natural way to express this idea would be:
✔ Corrected versions:
"He could tell I felt lonely, so he kept me company."
"He could tell I felt lonely, so he stayed with me to keep me company."
"Keep someone company" is the correct phrase to use in this context.
February 5, 2025
1
No, "make company" is not correct in this context. Instead, you can say:
✔ "He could tell I felt lonely, so he kept me company." (Most natural)
✔ "He could tell I felt lonely, so he stayed with me."
✔ "He could tell I felt lonely, so he spent time with me."
Tip:
Use "keep (someone) company" instead of "make company" when talking about spending time with someone so they don’t feel lonely.
For example:
- "She kept me company while I waited."
- "Would you like me to keep you company?"
February 5, 2025
1
Best: He kept me company.
Also: He provided companionship for me.
You can also say: He was good company. (The meaning is different. It speaks of my assessment of the companionship he provided.)
February 5, 2025
I would call it creative. It is not something anybody would normally say. But it makes sense, so who cares if you're the only one to say it?
An Italian friend of mine once said, speaking of a friend who had just found a girlfriend, how pleased he was that "his friend had found a new company". To him, it sounded normal because he was translating from the Italian. In English though, it sounded so odd. And yet, ... so sweet. I really liked it. Don't be afraid to talk in uncommon ways.
February 6, 2025
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Yuan
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English, Spanish
Learning Language
English, Spanish
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