a representative

USAGE SUMMARY

"a representative" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who is acting on behalf of a larger group. For example: "The trade union sent a representative to the labor negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A representative passage: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

The New Yorker

(A representative for P.&G.

The New York Times

A representative from an N.Y.U.

The New Yorker

A representative declined to comment.

The New York Times

It is a representative democracy".

The New York Times

I am a representative.

The Guardian

Bruno -- a representative figure?

The New York Times - Books

A representative for Diamondback declined to comment.

The New York Times

A representative of Apax declined to comment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A representative for "Nanjing!

The New York Times

A representative from Foursquare declined to comment.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required. While "a representative" is generally suitable for neutral and professional contexts, alternatives like "an ambassador" or "a delegate" may be more appropriate in specific situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a representative" without specifying who or what they represent. For instance, instead of saying "A representative will be present", clarify it to "A representative from the company will be present" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a representative" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying an individual acting on behalf of a group or organization. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used to denote someone authorized to speak or act for others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a representative" is a common noun phrase used to describe an individual acting on behalf of a group or organization. As per Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal business communications. The phrase is often used in neutral to professional settings, and its purpose is to identify an individual fulfilling an official role. Remember to always specify who or what the "a representative" represents to prevent ambiguity. Related terms include ""an agent"", ""a delegate"", and ""a spokesperson"", each carrying slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an agent

Replaces "representative" with a term that emphasizes acting on behalf of someone.

a delegate

Suggests someone chosen to represent a group at a meeting or conference.

a spokesperson

Specifically refers to someone who speaks on behalf of an organization.

an ambassador

Implies a formal representative, often for a country or organization.

a proxy

Suggests a person authorized to act on someone else's behalf, especially in voting or decision-making.

an official

Denotes someone holding a position of authority and representing an organization.

a stand-in

Highlights someone who takes the place of another.

a surrogate

Emphasizes standing in for someone else, often temporarily.

an embodiment

Highlights the representation of a concept or quality.

a symbol

Focuses on representing something abstract or conceptual.

FAQs

How can I use "a representative" in a sentence?

You can use "a representative" to indicate someone acting on behalf of a group or organization, such as "a representative from the company attended the meeting".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a representative"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an agent", "a delegate", or "a spokesperson".

Is it correct to say "a representative of" or "a representative for"?

Both are acceptable. "A representative of" is more common, while "a representative for" implies representing someone's interests or advocating on their behalf.

What's the difference between "a representative" and "an official"?

"A representative" generally indicates someone acting on behalf of another, while "an official" usually refers to someone holding a specific position of authority within an organization.