acting as a mediator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acting as a mediator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is facilitating communication or negotiation between two parties. Example: "In the conflict resolution meeting, she was acting as a mediator to help both sides reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's kind of been acting as a mediator, quite frankly".

The New York Times

In this format, the discussion begins with the third party acting as a mediator.

Harvard University

By acting as a mediator, you can facilitate joint problem solving.

Harvard University

That office, established in 2011, is increasingly acting as a mediator.

The Washington Post

Women's family can provide fundamental support, even acting as a mediator with banks.

Nature

In this hybrid approach, the third party begins by acting as a mediator who helps disputants cooperate on a solution.

Harvard University

After reportedly acting as a mediator between warring gangs, he became a recognisable figure in Salford in the 1990s.

Independent

George J. Mitchell, the former senator from Maine, has been acting as a mediator in the dispute.

The New York Times - Arts

His acknowledged biases, being a friend of Gates, and having made a comment in Gates's favor, did not preclude him acting as a mediator.

Harvard University

At the PrepCom, the UK delegation even seemed to be acting as a "mediator" between France and the NAM and was mainly motivated by seeking to avoid disagreements.

The Guardian

Ms. Shriver is said to be deeply involved in Sacramento politics, acting as a mediator between the governor's office and the Legislature.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acting as a mediator" when describing someone who is facilitating communication and negotiation between parties to reach a voluntary agreement. It is best when the person is not imposing decisions but helping those involved come to a resolution themselves.

Common error

Avoid using "acting as a mediator" to describe situations where one party imposes a decision on others. Mediation implies a collaborative process, not a dictatorial one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acting as a mediator" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a verb complement or part of a continuous verb construction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acting as a mediator" is a grammatically sound and commonly used gerund phrase to describe the role of someone facilitating negotiations or conflict resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that it reflects a collaborative process, not an imposition of decisions, and specify the parties involved for clarity. Alternatives like "serving as an intermediary" or "facilitating negotiations" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serving as an intermediary

More formal; emphasizes a go-between role.

facilitating negotiations

Focuses on enabling the negotiation process.

brokering an agreement

Suggests a more active role in creating the agreement.

playing the role of peacemaker

Highlights the aim of restoring peace or harmony.

arbitrating disputes

Implies a more formal and potentially binding resolution process.

liaising between parties

Focuses on communication and coordination.

helping to resolve conflict

General phrase for aiding in conflict resolution.

working as a negotiator

Highlights negotiation skills and activities.

assisting in reconciliation

Focuses on restoring friendly relations.

finding common ground

Suggests identifying areas of agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "acting as a mediator" in a sentence?

You can use "acting as a mediator" to describe someone facilitating discussions between conflicting parties, for example: "She was "acting as a mediator" in the labor dispute."

What are some alternatives to "acting as a mediator"?

Alternatives include "serving as an intermediary", "facilitating negotiations", or "brokering an agreement", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "act as a mediator" instead of "acting as a mediator"?

"Act as a mediator" is grammatically correct and implies a general role or function, while "acting as a mediator" describes a specific instance of performing that role.

What skills are important when "acting as a mediator"?

Key skills include active listening, impartiality, clear communication, and the ability to facilitate constructive dialogue between parties with differing viewpoints.