Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner1]

Hello,

'John with/together with/along with his friend finished the work.'

What is the difference among 'with', 'together with', and 'along with' here?

Thank you very much.

[cgage2]

There are about the same. You may want to add commas though.
John, together with his friends, ....

[learner1]

Hello cgage2,

Many thanks to your reply.
"John and his friend finished the work."
Could we use 'together with' instead of 'and' as in
"John, together with his friend finished the work." ?

Thanks a lot.

[cgage2]

Yes, but don't forget to enclose the phrase with two commas.
However, it should be pointed out that the use of commas is becoming less stylish in English writing. For the moment, I would work with your teacher on the traditional rules concerning commas.

[learner1]

Hello cgage2,

Many thanks to your correction of my sentence.

Thanks a lot.