act as a firewall between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act as a firewall between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a protective barrier or mechanism that separates two entities, often in a technical or metaphorical context. Example: "The new policy is designed to act as a firewall between employee privacy and company oversight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Our concern is that the extended ministerial office will act as a firewall between impartial, evidence-based advice and the minister.

The Guardian

Sqreen doesn't act as a firewall between outside requests and your application.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Marc Elias, the attorney at Perkins Coie who was serving as the Clinton campaign's general counsel, acted as a firewall between the campaign and the private investigators digging up information on Trump.

The New Yorker

It doesn't act as a firewall, it watches what's happening in your application directly.

TechCrunch

But they also act as a firewall that disconnects the act of passing money from one party to another from the actual financial underpinnings.

TechCrunch

Moreover, they act as a firewall, preventing live commensal intestinal bacteria from penetrating the systemic immune system [34].

Plosone

Adblock software acts like a firewall between a web browser and advertising servers.

The Guardian

In 1995, its governing board was reconstituted as a firewall between the agency and the administration.

The New York Times

That effect is vintage Turbo Paul, who told me by e-mail: "I regard myself as a firewall between the underworld and law enforcement".

The New York Times - Magazine

This structure acts as a firewall to prevent problems within one part of the group spreading to other units in the event of financial difficulties.

The Guardian - Money

In fact, it acts as a firewall to the majority of beginning students who attempt to navigate it.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act as a firewall between", ensure that the two entities being separated are clearly defined. This enhances the clarity and impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid implying that the "firewall" is impenetrable. Acknowledge potential weaknesses or limitations to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act as a firewall between" functions primarily as a predicate in a sentence, describing the role or function of a subject. It often indicates a protective or isolating function, preventing unwanted interaction or influence between two entities. Ludwig's examples show this in both literal (network security) and metaphorical contexts (political or organizational structures).

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act as a firewall between" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon phrase used to describe a protective or isolating function. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is used in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While grammatically correct, it is crucial to define the entities that need the mentioned protection when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "serve as a barrier between" or "function as a shield between" to convey nuances of separation and protection. Be mindful of overstating the effectiveness of the "firewall" to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a barrier between

This alternative focuses on the function of preventing interaction or influence.

function as a shield between

This suggests a protective role, guarding against harm or intrusion.

create a buffer between

This implies a space or zone that reduces conflict or impact.

establish a boundary between

This highlights the act of setting limits or defining distinct areas.

form a partition between

This indicates a physical or conceptual division into separate parts.

work as an intermediary between

This suggests a role of facilitating communication or negotiation.

operate as a mediator between

This emphasizes the function of resolving disputes or conflicts.

provide insulation between

This focuses on preventing the transfer of heat, electricity, or ideas.

act as a safeguard for

This centers on protecting something from potential danger or risk.

build a defense against

This implies preparing to resist or repel an attack or threat.

FAQs

How can I use "act as a firewall between" in a sentence?

You can use "act as a firewall between" to describe a protective barrier or mechanism that separates two distinct entities, such as "The new policy is designed to "act as a firewall between" employee privacy and company oversight."

What are some alternatives to "act as a firewall between"?

Alternatives include phrases like "serve as a barrier between", "function as a shield between", or "create a buffer between", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of separation and protection.

Which is correct: "act as a firewall between" or "act like a firewall between"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""act as a firewall between"" implies a more formal and definitive role, while "act like a firewall between" suggests a resemblance or similarity in function.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "act as a firewall between"?

The phrase ""act as a firewall between"" is appropriate in contexts where there is a need to emphasize the protective and separative function of a system or policy, such as in discussions of cybersecurity, organizational structure, or legal safeguards.