acted as a go between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acted as a go between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who facilitates communication or negotiation between two parties. Example: "In the negotiations, she acted as a go between, ensuring both sides understood each other's concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He acted as a go between encouraging the FA to accept rules from the Sheffield Rules.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Since finding the dress, she has acted as a go-between for them and the government.

The New Yorker

A relative answered the door of a second trailer on the property and acted as a go-between.

The New York Times - Books

Arbatov acted as a go-between for the superpowers at a time when misunderstanding and suspicion could have brimmed over to hot war.

Independent

His major business venture was as founder of Pacific Rim Partners Inc., which acted as a go-between between Japanese and American businesses.

The New York Times - Arts

He acted as a go-between, carrying information between the U.S. outpost, the local government, the Shia clergy, and the radical Sadrists.

The New Yorker

The gathering was organized by Homayoun Jarir, a son-in-law of Mr. Hekmatyar, who has acted as a go-between for the Afghan government and Mr. Hekmatyar.

The New York Times

Singer Tulisa Contostavlos has been re-bailed until early December following her arrest over claims she acted as a go-between in a drug deal.

Independent

Fairfield had acted as a go-between for Madoff since 1989, collecting money from investors and pumping it into Madoff's fund.

The Guardian - Business

The leadership gave its backing in the last 10 years to the American-sponsored peace talks and acted as a go-between for Syria and United States.

The New York Times

It had helped some students learn to organize sit-ins, and then acted as a go-between with the students and the administration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acted as a go between", ensure that the context clearly identifies the parties being connected to avoid ambiguity. For example, "She acted as a go between for the company and its suppliers" is more precise than "She acted as a go between".

Common error

Avoid overstating the role. "Acted as a go between" implies facilitation, not necessarily decision-making power. If someone had authority, use terms like "negotiated" or "mediated" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acted as a go between" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of mediating or facilitating communication between two or more parties. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, emphasizing its role in describing a facilitator.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acted as a go between" describes someone who facilitates communication or negotiation between parties. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While grammatically sound and found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it's relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. For more formal situations, alternatives like "served as an intermediary" or "functioned as a mediator" might be more appropriate. When using the phrase, clarity is key: clearly define the parties being connected. Be mindful of the scope, as this phrase implies facilitation rather than decision-making authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

served as an intermediary

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the neutral role of facilitating communication.

functioned as a mediator

This alternative highlights the role of resolving disputes and finding common ground.

brokered an agreement

This alternative emphasizes the successful negotiation of a deal or understanding.

facilitated communication

This focuses on the act of making communication easier, without necessarily implying negotiation.

liaised between

This term is more formal and suggests a regular and official connection between parties.

connected the parties

This phrase is more direct and simple, focusing on the act of bringing people together.

was a link between

This emphasizes the role of connecting two distinct entities or groups.

helped negotiate

This alternative highlights the support provided in reaching an agreement.

served as a channel

This suggests a direct and open line of communication was facilitated.

played a mediating role

This emphasizes the active role in resolving differences.

FAQs

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

You can use "acted as a go between" to describe someone who facilitates communication or negotiation between two parties. For example: "She "acted as a go between", conveying information between the two companies".

What is a more formal alternative to "acted as a go between"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "served as an intermediary" or "functioned as a mediator". These options add a layer of professionalism to your writing.

Is it correct to say 'acted as a go-between' or 'acted as a go between'?

Both forms are acceptable. "Acted as a go between" is more common, but "acted as a go-between" with the hyphen is also grammatically correct, especially in formal writing.

What's the difference between "acted as a go between" and "negotiated"?

"Acted as a go between" implies facilitating communication, while "negotiated" suggests actively working to reach an agreement. The former is about conveying information, the latter involves influencing the outcome.