act as a vector for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act as a vector for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to biology, epidemiology, or any situation where something is facilitating the transfer or movement of another entity, such as a disease or information. Example: "Mosquitoes act as a vector for the transmission of malaria."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Mosquitoes act as a vector for the disease, picking up the virus from infected birds and transmitting it to other birds, and to humans, that they bite.

The New York Times

The objective of this study was to determine if the ultrasound probe can act as a vector for cross-infection and to compare two cleaning methods for ultrasound probes in order to limit or control the transmission risk.

Annales Françaises d'Anesthésie et de Réanimation

Insects act as a vector for the disease.

Science Magazine

Therefore, MP can act as a vector for waterborne (human) pathogens influencing the hygienic water quality.

Environmental Sciences Europe

FCA's contribution to the group effort will be to add additional engineering and technical resources to the mix, and to act as a vector for the eventual resulting self-driving platform.

TechCrunch

Whether this species can act as a vector for T. equi is unknown.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

This aphid also acts as a vector for viruses that cause plant disease and the honeydew it secretes may encourage the growth of sooty mould.

Wikipedia

A macromolecule may be designed to act as a vector or carrier for a drug specifically "engineered" to avoid side effects, and capable of precise delivery of its "payload" with the help of targeting and release functionalities.

University of California, Berkeley

However, a further possibility is that unidentified microbial pathogens (perhaps members of the bacterial genus Bartonella?), for which lice might act as a vector, could be responsible for immunosuppressive effects.

BMC Biology

This finding suggests that this species may act as a bridge vector for exchange between forest and peridomestic habitats.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

The detection of Chapaev transposons in an insect bracovirus indicated that these viruses might act as a possible vector for the horizontal spread of Chapaev transposons.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "act as a vector for", ensure that the subject clearly facilitates the transmission or spread of something else, whether it's a disease, information, or another entity.

Common error

Avoid using "act as a vector for" when the subject simply influences or affects something without directly contributing to its transmission. A vector actively carries or transmits something, not just impacts it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act as a vector for" functions as a predicate in sentences, indicating the role or function of the subject in transmitting or spreading something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act as a vector for" accurately describes the role of an entity that transmits or facilitates the spread of something else, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly used in scientific and technical contexts, it serves to explain the mechanics of transmission. While grammatically correct and understood, it's important to ensure the subject is indeed a carrier, not merely an influence. Alternatives like "serve as a conduit for" or "facilitate the spread of" can provide similar meanings in broader contexts. This phrase, while not excessively common, is a valuable tool for precise communication in appropriate situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Serve as a carrier for

Focuses on the physical transportation aspect rather than the broader role of transmission or facilitation.

Function as a medium for

Emphasizes the role of providing an environment or substance through which something else can pass or operate.

Serve as a conduit for

Highlights the role of providing a channel or pathway for transmission.

Act as an intermediary for

Focuses on the role of mediating or facilitating communication or transfer between two parties.

Facilitate the spread of

Emphasizes the action of making it easier for something to propagate or disseminate.

Contribute to the transmission of

Highlights the contribution to the process of transferring something, often a disease or information.

Be instrumental in spreading

Emphasizes the importance and effectiveness in the dissemination process.

Aid in the propagation of

Focuses on assisting the growth or spread of something.

Help disseminate

A more general phrase indicating assistance in spreading information or something else.

Enable the transfer of

Highlights the enabling aspect of the action, allowing for the movement of something from one place to another.

FAQs

How is "act as a vector for" used in scientific contexts?

In scientific contexts, "act as a vector for" typically describes how an organism or object facilitates the transmission of a disease or other biological agent. For example, mosquitoes "act as a vector for" malaria.

What are some alternatives to "act as a vector for" in a broader sense?

In a broader sense, if you want to convey the idea of facilitating something's spread, you could use alternatives like "serve as a conduit for", "function as a medium for", or "facilitate the spread of".

Is it grammatically correct to say "act as a vector for"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in academic and scientific writing, as shown by Ludwig AI.

What's the difference between "act as a vector for" and "act as a catalyst for"?

"Act as a vector for" implies the transmission or carrying of something, while "act as a catalyst for" means accelerating or initiating a process. A vector transmits something directly, while a catalyst speeds up a reaction.