act as a link between

USAGE SUMMARY

'act as a link between' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a mediating or connecting role. For example, "The role of the facilitator was to act as a link between stakeholders with competing interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 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

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

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

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

"It's a different type of friendship to seeing each other every day, but it still feels just as real". Pen pal projects can also act as a link between those with niche interests.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Our objective was to determine whether DPP4 acts as a link between low-grade chronic inflammation and hyperglycemia.

Metabolism

Sir Paul, the outgoing GMB general secretary, chairs Unions Together, which acts as a link between trade unions and Labour.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act as a link between", clearly define the entities being connected to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "act as a link between the development team and the marketing department" instead of just "act as a link".

Common error

Avoid using "act as a link between" without specifying what is being linked. This can leave the reader wondering about the purpose and scope of the connection. Always clarify the entities or concepts involved for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act as a link between" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating a connecting or mediating role. Ludwig shows this usage consistently across various contexts. It is used to describe entities that facilitate communication, connection, or interaction between two or more parties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "act as a link between" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a mediating or connecting function. According to Ludwig, its most frequent use is within scientific and news-related content, which contributes to a neutral to professional tone. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specifying the entities being linked enhances understanding. Alternative phrases like "serve as an intermediary between" can offer nuanced variations, enriching your writing. By avoiding overgeneralization and clearly defining the connection, writers can effectively use this phrase to convey the role of a connector or facilitator.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as an intermediary between

Emphasizes a neutral position in facilitating communication or negotiation.

function as a bridge between

Highlights the role of overcoming differences or gaps.

mediate between

Focuses on resolving conflict or disagreement.

facilitate communication between

Highlights making communication easier.

liaise between

Implies a formal connection for information exchange.

connect

A more direct and simple way of linking things, sometimes lacks the mediation component.

interface between

Suggests a more technical or system-oriented connection.

form a connection between

Emphasizes the creation of a link that wasn't previously there.

work as a go-between for

Suggests the role of someone who carries messages or facilitates transactions.

build relationships between

Refers to the establishment of connections over time, rather than immediate mediation.

FAQs

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

You can use "act as a link between" to describe someone or something that connects two or more entities. For example, "The liaison officer will act as a link between the company and the local community."

What phrases are similar to "act as a link between"?

Similar phrases include "serve as an intermediary between", "function as a bridge between", or "mediate between".

Is it better to use "act as a link between" or "acted as a link between"?

The choice between "act as a link between" and "acted as a link between" depends on the tense of your sentence. Use "act" for present or future actions and "acted" for past actions. For example, "The committee will act as a link between the students and the faculty." vs. "The committee acted as a link between the students and the faculty last year."

How does "act as a link between" differ from "act as a barrier between"?

"Act as a link between" implies connection and facilitation, whereas "act as a barrier between" implies separation and obstruction. They are antonyms. One connects, the other divides.