a representative of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a representative of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who speaks or acts on behalf of a group, organization, or country. Example: The president of the company sent a representative to negotiate the terms of the contract. In this sentence, "a representative" refers to someone who is representing the company in the contract negotiation process. It could also be used in a political context, such as: The ambassador is a representative of their country in the United Nations. In this example, "a representative" refers to someone who represents their country in the United Nations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a representative of District 9, whom do you represent?

Vice

A representative of Apax declined to comment.

The New York Times

She's a representative of something else.

The New Yorker

A representative of the association stood sentry.

The New York Times

It was a representative of Rachel Maddow.

The New York Times

"He is a representative of the people".

The New York Times

A representative of Nelson Mandela.

The Guardian

A representative of Compass would not comment.

The New York Times

A representative of ExamWorks declined to comment.

The New York Times

He is a representative of Jesus".

The New York Times

Serve as a representative of Cal Adventures to participants.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a representative of", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is being represented. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a representative of" when the person lacks official authorization to speak for the entity. Doing so can lead to misrepresentation and credibility issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a representative of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase denotes someone who is authorized to act or speak for another, usually an organization or a group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a representative of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to identify someone acting on behalf of a group, organization, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and Ludwig's examples highlight its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the entity being represented to avoid misinterpretations. While alternatives such as "a spokesperson for" or "an official of" exist, "a representative of" maintains a formal and professional tone suitable for various communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a spokesperson for

Highlights the role of communicating on behalf of a group or organization.

an ambassador for

Implies representing a country or organization in a diplomatic or promotional role.

a deputy of

Implies a more formal or official role, often within a hierarchical structure.

an official of

Suggests someone holding a position of authority or responsibility within an organization.

an agent for

Emphasizes acting on behalf of someone, often in business or legal contexts.

a delegate from

Implies being chosen to represent a group at a conference or meeting.

a voice for

Focuses on advocating for a particular group or cause.

a committee of

Refers to a group formed to represent a larger body or organization.

a proxy for

Suggests acting as a substitute or stand-in for someone else.

a symbol of

Represents something abstract or intangible, rather than a specific group or organization.

FAQs

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

Use "a representative of" to indicate someone acting on behalf of a group or organization. For example, "A representative of the company attended the conference."

What are some alternatives to "a representative of"?

Alternatives include "a spokesperson for", "an official of", or "a delegate from", depending on the context.

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

While "representative for" is sometimes used, "a representative of" is generally considered more grammatically correct and formal, especially in professional or academic writing.

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

"A representative of" typically implies someone speaking or acting on behalf of an organization or group. "An agent of" often suggests someone with specific delegated power to act in legal or business matters.