act as a link

USAGE SUMMARY

"act as a link" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to something or someone that connects or joins different parts of a sentence, idea, or concept. It is often used to describe the function of a word, phrase, or clause in a sentence. Example: "The pronoun 'it' acts as a link between the subject and the verb in this sentence." In this example, "act as a link" is used to describe the function of the pronoun "it" in connecting the subject and verb in the sentence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It would also act as a link between the voluntary sector and "those with political influence".

The Guardian

Pen pal projects can also act as a link between those with niche interests.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Companies in Britain use corporate brokers to advise on equity market rules and to act as a link with investors.

The New York Times

Bowden restored the unity council, a group of 13 players who act as a link between the coaching staff and the team.

The New York Times - Sports

It also claims that students who study in their home towns could act as a link between extremism on campuses and in their local communities.

The Guardian

As a member of the EU, Greece, he believed, could act "as a link and a bridge" between Russia and the west.

The Guardian

CSOs are uniformed civilian personnel, under the control of the police, who act as a link between local communities and the police.

The Guardian

CUSPA aims to act as a link between professionals of the spa industry and students, as well as sponsoring forums, workshops, and lectures in the Cornell community.

Cornell University

We suggest that these observations can be explained partly by taking into consideration the immune effects of the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin, which has been shown recently to act as a link between nutritional status and the immune response.

Trends in Immunology

Many in the parliamentary party will be looking to the deputy leader, Tom Watson, to act as a link between the leader's office and the parliamentary party over the next week.

The Guardian

Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and George Jones are cool enough for younger artists to name-drop, but they also enjoy enough consensus to act as a link between those artists and older listeners.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act as a link", ensure clarity about what is being connected. Specify the entities or concepts that the link is bridging for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "act as a link" without specifying what is being linked. Provide concrete details about the elements being connected to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act as a link" functions primarily as a predicate expressing a relational role. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage to describe something or someone connecting disparate elements. Examples showcase its use in connecting systems, people, and ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

32%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act as a link" is a versatile expression used to describe something or someone connecting different entities, ideas, or systems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, from news and media to science and academia. Analysis of its usage reveals that the primary purpose is to describe a connecting role, highlighting its function as a connector or intermediary. While predominantly neutral to formal in register, its formality can shift slightly depending on the specific context. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about what is being connected to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives like "serve as a bridge" or "function as a connector" can add nuance, but "act as a link" remains a common and effective choice for expressing the idea of connection and facilitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a bridge

Replaces 'link' with 'bridge', emphasizing connection and transition.

function as a connector

Substitutes 'act' with 'function' and 'link' with 'connector', focusing on role and connectivity.

serve as an intermediary

Replaces 'link' with 'intermediary', highlighting the role of mediating between parties.

work as a liaison

Substitutes 'act as a link' with 'work as a liaison', suggesting a more formal and communicative connecting role.

form a connection between

Changes the structure to focus on the establishment of a connection.

provide a connection between

Emphasizes the provision of a link rather than the action of being one.

constitute a bond

Replaces 'link' with 'bond', implying a stronger, more inherent connection.

offer a channel between

Substitutes 'link' with 'channel', suggesting a pathway for communication or transfer.

mediate between

Focuses on the action of mediating, implying a more active role than simply acting as a link.

interface between

Highlights the role of providing an interface, often in a technical or systemic context.

FAQs

How can I use "act as a link" in a sentence?

Use "act as a link" to describe something or someone connecting two or more things. For example, "The new software will "serve as a bridge" between the old and new systems."

What's a good alternative to "act as a link"?

Alternatives include phrases like "function as a connector", "serve as an intermediary", or "work as a liaison", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "acts as a link" or "act as a link"?

"Acts as a link" is used when the subject is singular and in the third person. "Act as a link" is used for other subjects (I, we, you, they) or in the infinitive form. For example, "He acts as a link" versus "They act as a link".

What does it mean when something "acts as a link"?

When something "acts as a link", it connects two or more separate entities, facilitating communication, interaction, or some form of exchange between them.