act in the name of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act in the name of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone taking action or making decisions on behalf of another person or organization. Example: "The lawyer was authorized to act in the name of her client during the negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although a majority on paper, they can no longer act in the name of the people.

The New York Times

I act in the name of the law, which rather than finding solutions makes decisions.

The New York Times - Books

We always act in the name of principles, not in our own interests.

The Guardian

They "act in the name of Islam" but most Muslims worldwide "deplore this act of terrorism", he said.

The Guardian

If it's because they act in the name of Islam, are Christians asked about the crimes of other Christians?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Immeasurable hurt" is caused to the Muslim community by "terrorists based in Pakistan who act in the name of Islam," he said.

The New York Times

A tiny subset of that group include people like Algarad, alleged or convicted criminals who act in the name of a stated belief in Satan or demon worship.

The Washington Post

Even if the United States were ready to commit that amoral act in the name of realpolitik, the result would be more chaos in Syria, not less.

The Washington Post

It's true that he carried out this act in the name of the al-Nusra Front, which the British government treats as synonymous with al-Qaida.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is important to emphasise there is a difference between what I read in the Qur'an and how people act in the name of the Qur'an.

The Guardian

"A mosque on the site," he said, "would be insensitive to the memory of those who were killed on 9/11" by terrorists claiming to act in the name of Islam.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the 'name' you're acting in is widely recognized and understood to prevent confusion about the source of authority. For example, "act in the name of science".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in overly abstract or vague contexts where the source of authority is unclear. Instead, specify the entity or principle that justifies the action to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act in the name of" serves as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb. It indicates the authority, justification, or motivation behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "act in the name of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify the source of authority, justification, or purpose behind an action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, media and science. When writing, ensure the context and authority are clear to avoid ambiguity, and consider more formal alternatives such as ""on behalf of"" in professional or academic settings. Also, remember to evaluate critically actions no matter under which principle or authority they are performed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on behalf of

Focuses on representing or acting for someone else.

representing

Emphasizes the role of standing in for another entity.

as an agent of

Highlights the agency or authority granted to act.

under the authority of

Stresses the permission or mandate given.

by virtue of

Implies a right or power conferred by a specific role or position.

pursuant to

Suggests acting according to a rule, law, or agreement.

with the blessing of

Indicates approval or endorsement from a higher authority.

authorized by

Explicitly states that permission has been granted.

with the mandate of

Highlights a clear directive or instruction to act.

sanctioned by

Suggests official approval or authorization.

FAQs

What does it mean to "act in the name of" something?

To "act in the name of" something means to perform an action or make a decision with the perceived or stated authority and justification of a particular person, group, cause, or principle. It implies that the action is being done to further the interests or goals associated with that entity.

How can I use "act in the name of" in a sentence?

You can use "act in the name of" to specify the entity providing authority for an action. For instance, "The lawyer will "on behalf of" her client," or "The organization is working to protect the environment "under the authority of" the law."

Are there formal alternatives to "act in the name of"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include ""on behalf of"", "representing", "as an agent of", or ""under the authority of"". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it always correct to assume someone is acting justly when they say they "act in the name of" a cause?

No. While the phrase implies justification, it does not guarantee that the actions are morally correct or aligned with the stated cause's true principles. Critically evaluate the actions themselves, as the phrase can be misused to legitimize harmful behavior.