acted as a buffer between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acted as a buffer between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something or someone serves to mitigate or separate two opposing forces or elements. Example: "The mediator acted as a buffer between the two conflicting parties, helping to facilitate a peaceful resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

On Rice's account, "we acted as a buffer between the federal government and the refuge".

The Guardian

Various reports said the police either acted as a buffer between the groups or encouraged the clashes.

The New York Times

Tensions between the two groups ran high; police acted as a buffer between them for hours.

The Economist

The way Davidson explained it, she mainly acted as a buffer between the national campaign and the volunteer leaders on the ground.

The New York Times - Magazine

Aḥmad I then forged an alliance with another northern neighbour, Khandesh, which acted as a buffer between Bahmanī and the kingdoms of Malwa and Gujarat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From 1520 to 1526 the independent Hungarian kingdom bore the direct brunt of the Ottoman attack and acted as a buffer between the two great empires, but the weak king Louis II of Hungary and Bohemia and feudal anarchy and misrule made a united defense impossible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

That global reaction, he said, should include a United Nations presence in the region to act as a buffer between Israelis and Palestinians.

The New York Times

He again supported a UN backed stabilisation force to act as a buffer between Lebanon and Israel so that Israel could be free of rocket attacks.

The Guardian

Whereas Hello La Mode acts as a buffer between buyer and seller, Threadflip eliminates their interaction entirely.

The New York Times

The delicate broadcasting ecology of Britain needs what Dyke, who is much given of late to simian metaphors, describes as a 'third gorilla' to act as a buffer between the BBC and Sky.

The Guardian

In fact, without APP's operations, "Sumatran tiger habitat would likely be further endangered", as APP's forest concessions act as a "buffer" between forests where tigers live and "human encroachment".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acted as a buffer between", ensure the context clearly defines the two entities being separated or mediated. This provides clarity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the effectiveness of something that "acted as a buffer between". It's crucial to provide realistic context, acknowledging that the buffer may not completely eliminate all conflict or impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acted as a buffer between" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the action performed by a subject. It indicates that the subject served to mitigate, protect, or separate two distinct entities or forces. Ludwig shows this phrase is used to indicate something mediating between distinct groups or entities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acted as a buffer between" is used to describe something or someone that mitigates, protects, or separates two distinct entities. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct. While relatively rare, it appears across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. It often implies a neutral or protective role, helping to reduce conflict or prevent negative impact. Related phrases include "mediated between", "served as an intermediary", and "functioned as a shield", which can be used depending on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mediated between

This alternative focuses on the action of mediating, suggesting a more active role in resolving differences.

served as an intermediary between

Replaces 'buffer' with 'intermediary', emphasizing a role of facilitating communication or negotiation.

functioned as a shield between

Uses 'shield' instead of 'buffer', highlighting the protective aspect of the action.

acted as a go-between for

This option uses the term 'go-between' to describe the action of connecting parties.

stood as a barrier between

Replaces 'buffer' with 'barrier', suggesting a more firm and preventative separation.

bridged the gap between

Emphasizes connecting two entities rather than separating or protecting, suggesting a more proactive approach.

eased tensions between

Focuses on reducing conflict, highlighting the effect rather than the direct action of buffering.

cushioned the impact between

Highlights the mitigation of negative effects between two entities, suggesting a less direct separation.

defused the situation between

This implies resolving a tense situation, focusing on the outcome more than the method of buffering.

lessened the friction between

Highlights the reduction of conflict or disagreement, shifting focus from separation to mitigation.

FAQs

How can I use "acted as a buffer between" in a sentence?

Use "acted as a buffer between" to describe something that mitigates conflict or separates two entities. For example, "The United Nations "acted as a buffer between" the warring factions".

What's the difference between "acted as a buffer between" and "mediated between"?

"Acted as a buffer between" implies separation or mitigation of impact, while "mediated between" suggests a more active role in facilitating communication or negotiation.

What can I say instead of "acted as a buffer between"?

Alternatives include "served as an intermediary", "functioned as a shield", or "bridged the gap", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "acted as a buffer among" instead of "acted as a buffer between"?

While "between" typically refers to two entities, "among" refers to three or more. Therefore, use "between" when referring to two specific parties and "among" when referring to multiple parties. Context is extremely important.