a competent agent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a competent agent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is capable and effective in performing tasks or making decisions, often in a professional or legal context. Example: "In order to proceed with the contract, we need to ensure that a competent agent is authorized to sign on behalf of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Many a competent agent doesn't have the street sense".

The New Yorker

A competent agent will pursue a seemingly justifiable complaint on a client's behalf.

The New York Times - Travel

Max may be a fine filmmaker, Stoney a competent agent, and Zoe a dynamite actress, but for them storytelling is, as it is for most of us, a slack, easy pastime.

The New York Times - Books

Binks then continues to work closely with Palpatine years after, into "Episode III," which wouldn't make sense unless he were a competent agent.

Huffington Post

If the Realtor negotiates a price of $95,000, it would mean a reduction in commission to the buyer's Realtor and their company of only $250, or $125 to $150 gross to the agent--not an amount a competent agent would consider worth never getting a referral from the client in the future).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Specification guidelines are given for building an autonomous socially competent agent that supports learning in this context.

Information Sciences

A competence, in turn, "is a disposition, one with a basis resident in the competent agent, one that would in appropriately normal conditions ensure (or make highly likely) the success of any relevant performance issued by it" (Sosa 2007, 29).

SEP

When two agents refuse to help, children retain a preference for the more competent agent but infer that the less competent agent is nicer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For lethal violence to happen, there needs to be competent agents with a desire and readiness to perform it.

Vice

What Happens in the Minutes and Hours AForr a Major Terror Attack.

Vice

These arguments are considered in section 7. One of these arguments is grounded in the concern that the decriminalization of assisted death in the case of competent agents might set us down a 'slippery slope' that will unavoidably place vulnerable persons at risk.

Bioethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a competent agent", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific area of competence. Providing examples of their skills or accomplishments can add weight to the description.

Common error

Avoid assuming that competence in one area automatically translates to competence in all areas. Acknowledge that even "a competent agent" may have limitations or require specialized support in certain situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a competent agent" functions primarily as a noun phrase with an adjective modifying the noun. It serves to describe an individual or entity that possesses the necessary skills and abilities to perform a specific task or role effectively. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates someone capable and effective in their duties.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a competent agent" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, albeit infrequent. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes an individual who is capable and effective in their role. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, and it's important to use this phrase when highlighting someone's ability and reliability in a specific area. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing their competence and consider alternative phrases like "a capable representative" or "a skilled intermediary" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a capable representative

Focuses on the representative aspect, emphasizing their ability to act effectively on behalf of someone.

a skilled intermediary

Highlights the agent's expertise and role in mediating between parties.

a proficient executor

Emphasizes the agent's ability to carry out tasks and responsibilities effectively.

an effective advocate

Focuses on the agent's ability to support and promote a particular cause or interest.

a qualified professional

Highlights the agent's credentials and expertise in a specific field.

a reliable delegate

Emphasizes the trustworthiness and dependability of the agent.

a seasoned operative

Suggests the agent has extensive experience and expertise in their field.

an accomplished performer

Focuses on the agent's ability to achieve positive results and excel in their role.

a talented practitioner

Highlights the agent's natural aptitude and skill in a particular area.

an experienced handler

Suggests expertise in managing situations or people.

FAQs

How can I use "a competent agent" in a sentence?

You can use "a competent agent" to describe someone who is capable and effective in their role. For example, "The company hired "a competent agent" to handle the negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "a competent agent"?

Some alternatives include "a capable representative", "a skilled intermediary", or "a qualified professional", depending on the specific context.

Is it always positive to describe someone as "a competent agent"?

Yes, describing someone as "a competent agent" is generally positive, as it highlights their ability and effectiveness. However, it's important to ensure that the term is used accurately and appropriately, as competence can be subjective and context-dependent.

What distinguishes "a competent agent" from just "an agent"?

The term "competent" implies that the agent possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to perform their duties effectively. Simply referring to someone as "an agent" does not necessarily convey this level of ability or expertise.