act as a proxy for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act as a proxy for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to mean someone or something that is authorized to represent another person or thing. For example, "The manager often acts as a proxy for the CEO in meetings with clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Htin Kyaw, a close adviser, was elected president this month and is expected to act as a proxy for Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Guardian

It is easy, costs nothing, can act as a proxy for having to think deeply about any issue and makes us feel superior in several ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

The MHC is also thought to act as a proxy for general outbreeding, with all the hybrid vigour that can bring.

The Economist

FBI background checks, which act as a proxy for gun sales, hit a record 23.1m in 2015 – more than two-and-half times as many as those processed a decade ago.

The Guardian

Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which has been accused of carrying out terrorist attacks in the Middle East since the 1980s, is avowedly anti-Israel and widely considered to act as a proxy for Iran.

Independent

Myanmar has sworn-in Htin Kyaw as the country's first civilian president in half a century, a man who is expected to act as a proxy for Aung San Suu Kyi in her fight to end the army's grip on power.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

But how they interact with other substances, such as gold, acts as a proxy for that behaviour.

The Economist

He also stated that the bankers had "acted as a proxy for management" of Lantronix and stonewalled his attempts to do in-depth analysis of the financial statements.

The New York Times

It is helping to prop up the brutal regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria; and it acts as a proxy for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in the region and beyond.

The New York Times

With his distinctive little glasses and broad-brimmed hat, he acted as a proxy for the viewer's gaze.If Mr Wilson's biography leaves the reader unsatisfied about the life of the man, the photographs themselves tell a fuller story.

The Economist

Since both are affected by gravity they are attracted to each other, so the distribution of normal, visible matter acts as a proxy for the distribution of dark matter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act as a proxy for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being represented and what is doing the representing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something acting as a proxy fully encompasses all aspects of what it represents; proxies are often limited in scope or authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act as a proxy for" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the action of representing or substituting for someone or something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act as a proxy for" is a versatile expression used to describe something or someone representing something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As highlighted by the examples, it's frequently found in news and scientific articles, denoting representation or substitution in various contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the context makes it clear what is being represented and who or what is doing the representing. Alternatives include "serve as a stand-in for" and "function as a surrogate for", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a stand-in for

Emphasizes the temporary or substitute nature of the representation.

function as a surrogate for

Highlights the role of substitution, often in a more formal context.

represent on behalf of

Focuses on the act of representing someone or something.

substitute in place of

Indicates direct replacement of one thing by another.

act as an agent for

Highlights the agency and delegated authority.

be a representative of

Focuses on the role of representing a group or entity.

stand in the stead of

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying substitute.

fulfill the role of

Emphasizes the function or duty being performed.

mirror the effects of

Highlights the idea of producing similar outcomes or results.

be tantamount to

Indicates equivalence or near-equivalence in effect or value.

FAQs

How can I use "act as a proxy for" in a sentence?

You can use "act as a proxy for" to indicate that someone or something is representing or substituting for another. For example, "In the CEO's absence, the CFO will "act as a proxy for" them at the conference."

What's a simple way to explain what it means to "act as a proxy for"?

To "act as a proxy for" means to serve as a substitute or representative for someone or something else. It implies a temporary or delegated authority.

What can I say instead of "act as a proxy for"?

You can use alternatives like "serve as a stand-in for", "function as a surrogate for", or "represent on behalf of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "acted as a proxy for" instead of "act as a proxy for"?

Yes, "acted as a proxy for" is the past tense of the phrase and is perfectly correct when referring to something that happened in the past. For example, "He "acted as a proxy for" his father at the meeting yesterday."