act as a go-between

USAGE SUMMARY

"act as a go-between" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to serve as a mediator or intermediary between two parties. Example: The teacher acted as a go-between for the two students who were not getting along, helping them to communicate and resolve their differences peacefully.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

If the seller or buyer do not want to communicate directly, Swapalease will act as a go-between.

The New York Times

"I'm really just trying to act as a go-between between the two sides," Mr. Eccard said.

The New York Times

Many families turn to independent college counselors to act as a go-between and ease the tension.

The New York Times

But his advantages are national too: Algeria was a pillar of the non-aligned movement and well-placed to act as a go-between between north and south.

The Guardian

Mr. DiFrancesco also offered to act as a go-between for Mr. McGreevey with the White House and Tom Ridge, the director of homeland security.

The New York Times

Unlike "A.I.," "Heaven" was not an unmediated beyond-the-grave collaboration, since Mr. Piesiewicz could act as a go-between for what was, in fact, an unfinished script.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

It acts as a go-between among customers, content providers and wireless carriers.

The New York Times

Since finding the dress, she has acted as a go-between for them and the government.

The New Yorker

Ms. Bailey, both ally and rival to J. T., acts as a go-between with city agencies and the police.

The New York Times

A relative answered the door of a second trailer on the property and acted as a go-between.

The New York Times - Books

He acted as a go-between, carrying information between the U.S. outpost, the local government, the Shia clergy, and the radical Sadrists.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act as a go-between", ensure that all parties understand the neutral role you are assuming to avoid perceptions of bias.

Common error

Avoid implying that acting as a "go-between" grants you decision-making power. Clarify that your role is to facilitate, not to dictate, outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act as a go-between" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of serving as an intermediary or mediator between two or more parties. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act as a go-between" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the role of an intermediary or mediator. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Its usage spans various contexts, primarily in news and media, formal business settings, and general discussions. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to maintain neutrality and avoid implying decision-making authority beyond facilitation. Alternatives like "mediate between" or "serve as an intermediary" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, but Ludwig's analysis highlights the effectiveness and broad applicability of "act as a go-between" in describing the function of facilitating communication and understanding between parties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as a mediator

Highlights the role of resolving conflict between parties.

mediate between

Focuses on resolving disputes or facilitating agreements.

liaise between

Emphasizes establishing and maintaining communication links.

serve as an intermediary

Highlights the role of acting as a middleman.

facilitate communication

Emphasizes making communication easier.

broker a deal

Implies negotiating and finalizing an agreement.

act as a facilitator

Highlights the role of making a process or activity easier.

serve as a channel

Focuses on conveying information or resources.

intercede for

Suggests intervening on behalf of someone.

act as an interface

Emphasizes serving as a point of connection between different systems or entities.

FAQs

How do you use "act as a go-between" in a sentence?

You can use "act as a go-between" to describe someone who mediates or facilitates communication between two parties. For instance, "The diplomat agreed to "act as a go-between" between the warring nations."

What's a more formal alternative to "act as a go-between"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "serve as an intermediary" or "facilitate communication" for a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "acted as a go-between"?

Yes, "acted as a go-between" is the past tense form of the phrase and is grammatically correct. For example, "She "acted as a go-between" during the negotiations."

What is the difference between "act as a go-between" and "mediate"?

"Act as a go-between" generally implies facilitating communication, while "mediate" specifically suggests intervening to resolve a conflict. You can "act as a go-between" simply to keep lines of communication open; mediating involves more direct intervention to reach an agreement.