a representative office

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a representative office" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an office that represents a company or organization in a specific location, often for business or diplomatic purposes. Example: "The company established a representative office in Tokyo to better serve its clients in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

New York will become a representative office, primarily responsible for North America, Vivendi said.

The New York Times

In 1993 it wanted to establish a permanent presence in the Russian market, starting with a representative office.

The Economist

Standard Chartered already has a representative office in Erbil, the chief city of the oil-rich Kurdish autonomous region in northern Iraq.

The New York Times

One issue under discussion is the opening of a representative office for the Taliban in a third country, possibly Turkey or Qatar.

The New York Times

And in December, Star TV, a wholly owned News Corporation subsidiary, was given a license to open a representative office in Shanghai.

The New York Times

Merrill Lynch was among the first group of foreign firms admitted to membership in the Tokyo Stock Exchange (1986) and became the first U.S. investment bank to open a representative office in the People's Republic of China (1993).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

This could involve opening a Taliban representative office in Afghanistan or a Muslim country such as Qatar or Saudi Arabia.

The Guardian

In other words, a foreign representative office which has already imported a 1995 Land Rover will now have to pay duty on it and at its original price ($29,000), rather than its current value (about $12,000).

The Economist

For businesses that want to start ventures in China, the easiest path may be to first set up a sales representative office, experts advise.

The New York Times

Secret talks between the Taliban and the Americans have survived the assassination of Burhanuddin Rabbani, and progress is being made on setting up a Taliban representative office abroad.

The Guardian - Opinion

TAIPEI (Reuters) - The United States unveiled a new $256 million representative office in Taiwan's capital on Tuesday, a de facto embassy that underscores Washington's strategic ties with the democratic, self-ruled island as it faces escalating tensions with China.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When establishing a "representative office", clearly define its mandate and scope of activities to avoid confusion with a full-fledged branch.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a representative office" has the same legal authority as a fully registered branch. Representative offices often have limited operational capabilities, particularly in regards to directly conducting revenue-generating activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a representative office" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of office that acts on behalf of another entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used correctly in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science & Research

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a representative office" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe an office that represents a larger organization or company in a specific location. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is descriptive, identifying a particular type of business presence. The phrase frequently appears in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using the term, clarity on the office's specific legal and operational limitations is crucial. Alternative phrases include "liaison office" and "branch office", each carrying slightly different connotations. In essence, understanding the nuances of "a representative office" helps ensure accurate and effective communication in various professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a liaison office

Focuses on the communicative aspect of the office.

a branch office

Emphasizes the subsidiary nature and operational function.

an agency office

Highlights the agency function and representation aspect.

a regional office

Indicates a specific geographic scope of representation.

a satellite office

Suggests a smaller, more remote office.

a field office

Implies an office operating directly in a specific area of activity.

a bureau

Implies a permanent administrative office.

an outpost

Suggests a remote location, often used metaphorically.

a delegation office

Emphasizes the act of delegation and representation.

a sub-office

Highlights that the office is subordinate to a main office.

FAQs

What is the function of "a representative office"?

A "representative office" typically serves as a local point of contact for a foreign company, engaging in activities such as market research, public relations, and liaison with local partners. It generally cannot conduct direct sales or other revenue-generating activities.

What are the alternatives to "a representative office"?

Depending on the business needs, alternatives include a "liaison office", "branch office", subsidiary company, or engaging a local agent or distributor.

How does "a representative office" differ from a branch office?

While both serve as extensions of a parent company, a branch office can typically conduct business operations and generate revenue, whereas "a representative office" is primarily for promotional and liaison activities. The legal and tax implications also differ significantly.

When should a company establish "a representative office"?

A company might establish "a representative office" when it wants to explore a new market, build relationships with local partners, or conduct preliminary research before committing to a full-scale operation. It's a lower-cost, lower-risk entry strategy.