acting as agent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acting as agent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal, business, or formal contexts to describe someone who is representing or acting on behalf of another party. Example: "The lawyer is acting as agent for the client in this transaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The pictures were sold to the People by Fraser, acting as agent for a paparazzo colleague.

The Guardian

Leaked data shows it took the firm until 2012 to realise that it was acting as agent for the companies.

The Guardian

He also began acting as agent for countries trying to repatriate securities held in the United States.

The New York Times

HostelBookers said it simply provides IT support, acting as agent for the hostel, so has no responsibility for the change.

Independent

Unless otherwise specified by the Secretary, reports required under this subsection shall be filed with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, acting as agent for the Secretary.

Cornell University

The restraint of subsection (a) is against a former officer or employee's acting as agent or attorney for anyone other than the United States in connection with certain matters, whether pending in the courts or elsewhere.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The law, he said, imposes liability on an H.M.O. for certain negligent acts committed by doctors acting as agents of the health plan.

The New York Times

The Foreign Agent Registration Act of 1938 requires people acting as agents of foreign nations in a political capacity to periodically disclose their relationship as well as activities, receipts and disbursements in support of those activities.

The Washington Post

The Foreign Agents Registration Act holds that all persons acting as agents of foreign corporations disclose their relationship with the foreign principal, as well as any activities and disbursements in support of those activities.

Huffington Post

Were police acting as agents provocateurs?

The Guardian

be deemed to be acting as agents of the particular executive department..

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acting as agent", clearly specify for whom the agent is acting. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in legal or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "acting as agent" without specifying the principal. Always clarify who the agent represents to prevent confusion and potential legal issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acting as agent" functions as a gerund phrase followed by a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a specific role or capacity. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent use in legal and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

31%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acting as agent" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone performing actions on behalf of another. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use spans various contexts including news, academia, and encyclopedias. To maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity, always specify the principal for whom the agent is acting. Related phrases like "serving as intermediary" or ""representing"" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. While generally neutral to professional in tone, its usage in academic and formal business setting may result in more elevated writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serving as intermediary

This alternative highlights the role of facilitating communication or negotiation between parties.

representing

This option focuses on the act of standing in for someone or something.

functioning as representative

This phrase emphasizes the official capacity and responsibilities.

performing duties of

This option emphasizes the tasks and responsibilities undertaken.

undertaking the role of

This alternative suggests a deliberate assumption of responsibilities.

in the capacity of representative

This phrasing suggests that someone is currently representing in a certain situation.

on behalf of

This option indicates that actions are taken in the interest of another party.

as a proxy for

This alternative suggests a formal or legal delegation of authority.

as an authorized representative

This phrasing suggests formal permission or empowerment to represent.

tasked with

This option implies that someone has been given the job to represent.

FAQs

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

You can use "acting as agent" to describe someone representing another party. For example, "The lawyer is acting as agent for the client in this transaction."

What's a formal alternative to "acting as agent"?

A formal alternative is "functioning as representative", which emphasizes the official capacity and responsibilities.

What can I say instead of "acting as agent" in a legal context?

In a legal context, consider using "as a proxy for", which suggests a formal delegation of authority.

How does "acting as agent" differ from "representing"?

While both imply standing in for someone, "representing" is broader, while "acting as agent" typically implies a specific agreement or authorization.