act as intermediary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act as intermediary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a role or function where someone facilitates communication or interaction between two parties. Example: "In this negotiation, I will act as intermediary to ensure both sides reach a satisfactory agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The G-20 leaders agreed that the I.M.F. would act as intermediary.

The New York Times

Instead, the secretary of state, Paul Murphy, would have to act as intermediary.

The Guardian

It may act as intermediary marker for various components of HRQOL in patients of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Indian Journal of Tuberculosis

Another way to collaborate over sustainability is to ask an NGO to act as intermediary or facilitator of an organisation's work.

The Guardian

"The message I have is that they wish to speak to Holly Willoughby," says a prison guard over the radio, and smarmy Finn relays that Joey Barton has tweeted his offer to act as intermediary.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Together with Stephan Lewandowsky, I've been floating the idea of a trusted "honest broker" who could act as intermediary between those who collected the data and those who want to re-use it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Apparently, shopkeepers allow these street vendors to act as intermediaries as long as they don't physically enter the shop of a competitor.

Huffington Post

Both companies act as intermediaries in the electricity market.

The New York Times

The commercial banks act as intermediaries for those loans.

The New York Times

Embassy officials tried to act as intermediaries, Morsi advisers said.

The New York Times

Many young biotechnology firms act as intermediaries in tripartite alliance chains.

Research Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act as intermediary", clearly define the parties involved and the scope of responsibility. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in the role being performed.

Common error

Avoid implying that the intermediary has decision-making power if they are only meant to facilitate communication. Clearly state the limits of their role to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act as intermediary" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating the role someone or something takes on to facilitate communication or interaction between different parties. Ludwig AI provides examples where entities like the IMF, secretaries of state, and even software platforms are described as fulfilling this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "act as intermediary" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the role of facilitating communication or connection between parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently found in news and media, science, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "mediate between" or "serve as a liaison" exist, "act as intermediary" clearly conveys the role of a go-between. When using this phrase, clearly define the parties involved and the scope of the intermediary's responsibilities to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mediate between

This alternative focuses on resolving disputes or facilitating agreements, emphasizing a more active role in conflict resolution.

serve as a liaison

This phrase emphasizes the role of connecting different entities, highlighting the communication aspect.

function as a go-between

This option indicates a more informal and direct role in conveying messages or facilitating interactions.

serve as a facilitator

Highlights the role of making a process easier or smoother, often in group settings.

work as a mediator

This alternative highlights the conflict-resolution aspect of the intermediary's role.

serve as a channel

This phrase highlights the aspect of transmission and communication of information.

function as a bridge

This option emphasizes connecting disparate entities or ideas.

liaise between

This focuses on establishing and maintaining contact to ease communication.

broker a connection

This alternative emphasizes the act of initiating and negotiating a relationship or agreement.

connect the parties

This option simply points out the role of creating a relationship.

FAQs

What does it mean to "act as intermediary"?

To "act as intermediary" means to serve as a go-between or mediator between two or more parties, facilitating communication and understanding.

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

You might say, "The diplomat agreed to "mediate between" the warring nations" or "The software "serve as a channel" for communication between devices".

What are some alternatives to "act as intermediary"?

Alternatives include phrases like "serve as a liaison", "facilitate communication", or "function as a go-between".

Is "act as intermediary" formal or informal?

While "act as intermediary" can be used in both formal and informal settings, alternatives like "mediate between" or "serve as a liaison" may sound more professional in certain contexts.