Accord vs. Accordance – Which is Correct?

While both accord and accordance are valid words in American English, they function differently. Accord can be a noun meaning agreement or a verb meaning to grant or agree. Accordance is exclusively a noun, used almost always in the prepositional phrase “in accordance with,” signifying conformity or agreement to a rule or standard.

Accord or Accordance – Which is Correct?

Both “accord” and “accordance” are grammatically correct, but they serve distinct purposes in the English language. The primary distinction lies in their grammatical roles and typical usage. Accord functions as both a noun and a verb, carrying meanings related to agreement, harmony, or the act of granting. In contrast, accordance is solely a noun, predominantly found within the fixed phrase “in accordance with,” which means “in conformity with” or “according to.”

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think of the “N” in “accordaNce” as standing for “Norms” or “Nules.” This helps you recall that “in accordance with” is used when something aligns with rules, standards, or norms. For “accord,” remember it can be a “verb” (action) or a “noun” (thing, like an agreement). If you can substitute “agreement” or “grant” for a noun, or “grant” or “agree” for a verb, then “accord” is likely the correct choice. If you’re talking about following rules, “in accordance with” is almost always what you need.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Accord	Noun, Verb	(Noun) Agreement, harmony; a formal treaty. (Verb) To grant or give; to agree with.	The nations reached an accord. We must accord respect to our elders.
Accordance	Noun	Conformity or agreement (almost always in the phrase “in accordance with”).	The decision was made in accordance with company policy.

How to Use Accord

The word “accord” is versatile, serving as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to agreement, harmony, or a formal treaty. When used as a verb, it means to grant, give, or be in agreement. It can appear in both formal and casual contexts, though its use as a noun for a formal agreement (e.g., “peace accord”) is quite common in more elevated discourse.

Example 1: After lengthy negotiations, the two companies finally reached an accord on the new partnership terms.

Example 2: The committee decided to accord her the highest honor for her lifetime of service.

Example 3: His actions do not accord with his stated beliefs.

What are the different forms of Accord?

As a verb, “accord” follows regular conjugation patterns:

• Base form: accord (e.g., They accord)
• Third person singular present: accords (e.g., He accords)
• Past simple: accorded (e.g., They accorded)
• Past participle: accorded (e.g., It has been accorded)
• Present participle: according (e.g., He is according)

As a noun, “accord” has a singular and plural form:

• Singular: accord (e.g., a peace accord)
• Plural: accords (e.g., several accords)

Etymology of the word Accord

The word “accord” traces its roots back to Old French “acorder,” meaning “to agree, reconcile, be in harmony,” which itself derived from Vulgar Latin “*accordare,” formed from Latin “ad-” (to) + “cor” (heart). This etymology highlights its core meaning of bringing hearts or minds together in agreement.

How to Use Accordance

“Accordance” is exclusively a noun and is almost always found within the fixed phrase “in accordance with.” This phrase means “in conformity with,” “according to,” or “in agreement with” a rule, standard, request, or principle. It is commonly used in formal, legal, or administrative contexts to indicate that an action or decision strictly follows established guidelines.

Example 1: All employees must conduct themselves in accordance with the company’s code of ethics.

Example 2: The building plans were approved in accordance with all local zoning regulations.

Example 3: Please prepare the report in strict accordance with the instructions provided.

Etymology of the word Accordance

“Accordance” emerged in the late 14th century, deriving from the Old French word “acordance,” meaning “agreement, harmony.” It is essentially the noun form of “accord,” emphasizing the state of being in agreement or conformity, particularly in a structured or rule-bound context.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical concepts can further clarify the distinction between “accord” and “accordance,” especially regarding their roles in sentences.

• Parts of Speech: Recognizing whether a word functions as a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb is fundamental. “Accord” can be both a noun and a verb, whereas “accordance” is exclusively a noun, primarily used in a specific prepositional phrase.
• Prepositional Phrases: These are groups of words that begin with a preposition and end with a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition). “In accordance with” is a quintessential example, functioning adverbially to modify verbs or adjectives, explaining how or under what conditions something is done.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “The treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, was an international accord that officially ended World War I.” – (Fictionalized example in historical context)
• “Every decision made by the council must be in strict accordance with the democratic principles outlined in its constitution.” – (News report style)
• “He found that his personal desires did not always accord with the expectations of his family.” – (Literary analysis)
• “The software update will proceed in accordance with the schedule published last month.” – (Technical documentation)
• “A common interest can bring people of different backgrounds into a state of accord.” – (Philosophical text)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The committee voted to _____ the new chairman special powers.
2. All financial transactions must be processed in strict _____ with company guidelines.
3. After intense debate, the two parties finally reached a political _____.
4. Her actions do not _____ with her stated intentions.
5. The architect ensured the design was in _____ with safety regulations.

Answer Key

1. accord
2. accordance
3. accord
4. accord
5. accordance

Accord Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Agreement	(Noun) Harmony or concurrence in opinion, action, or character.
Harmony	(Noun) Agreement or concord.
Treaty	(Noun) A formal agreement between two or more states.
Grant	(Verb) To agree to give or allow (something requested) to.
Concur	(Verb) To be of the same opinion; agree.

Accordance Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Conformity	(Noun) Compliance with standards, rules, or laws.
Compliance	(Noun) The act or process of obeying a rule or law, or of conforming to a standard.
Agreement	(Noun) The state of being in harmony or conformity.
Adherence	(Noun) The action or quality of sticking to something.
Observance	(Noun) The act of obeying a law, rule, or custom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “accordance” be used outside of “in accordance with”?
While technically possible, “accordance” is almost exclusively used in the prepositional phrase “in accordance with.” Using it independently, such as “She showed great accordance,” would sound highly unnatural and incorrect to native speakers.

Question 2: Is “with accord” a common phrase?
“With accord” is not a standard or common phrase. If you mean “in agreement” or “in harmony,” you might say “with one accord” (meaning everyone agrees) or simply “in agreement.” The common phrase is “in accordance with.”

Question 3: How can I remember which word to use when talking about rules?
When referring to rules, regulations, or standards, always opt for “in accordance with.” Think of “accordance” as the word that brings rules into the sentence. If you’re talking about an agreement or granting something, “accord” is the correct choice.

Conclusion

Mastering the distinction between “accord” and “accordance” enhances precision in your writing and speech. Remember that “accord” is a versatile word, functioning as both a noun for agreement or a verb for granting, while “accordance” is a noun almost exclusively used within the phrase “in accordance with,” signifying conformity to rules or standards. By understanding their distinct grammatical roles and common usages, you can confidently choose the correct word. Pro Tip: Using these words accurately demonstrates a strong command of formal English, which can significantly boost your professional reputation.