agent in charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "agent in charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the person responsible for overseeing a particular operation or task, often in a professional or organizational context. Example: "The agent in charge of the investigation provided a detailed report to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Kevin Donovan has been named acting agent in charge.

The New York Times

In 1991, he was named assistant special agent in charge in the Chicago office.

The New Yorker

"We called it Chalabi's rolling coup," Bob Baer, the C.I.A. agent in charge, recounted.

The New Yorker

Troy Henley, the deputy special agent in charge of the I.C.E.

The New York Times - Sports

Last Sunday, a trucking agent in charge of transporting emergency rations was killed.

The New York Times

1.55am BST FBI special agent in charge Rick DesLauriers is speaking.

The Guardian

2.42am BST Now to the familiar face of the FBI agent in charge, Rick DesLauriers.

The Guardian

Too late, Special Agent in Charge, she thought, you with your beautiful mustache.

The New Yorker

Richard Thornton, the FBI special agent in charge, defended the methods used throughout the investigation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Oscar Hagelsieb, the assistant special agent-in-charge of Homeland Security Investigations, is more blunt.

The New Yorker

Agent-in-Charge: The Leader.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about law enforcement or intelligence contexts, use "agent in charge" to clearly denote the individual overseeing a specific operation or unit. The phrase is widely recognized and understood in these fields.

Common error

Avoid assuming "agent in charge" always implies ultimate authority. An agent in charge may have specific responsibilities for a particular task or location, but might still report to higher-ranking officials.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "agent in charge" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive to identify the individual responsible for a specific operation or task. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "agent in charge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to denote the individual responsible for a particular operation, task, or unit. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable term in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively communicates authority and responsibility. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the specific scope of the agent's authority and avoid assuming it always implies ultimate control. Alternative phrases like "officer in command" or "lead agent" can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officer in command

Replaces "agent" with "officer" and "charge" with "command", implying a military or hierarchical setting.

person in control

Shifts the focus to the act of controlling, rather than the specific role of an agent.

lead officer

Highlights the leadership aspect, specifying that the officer is the leader.

head of operations

Focuses on the operational aspect of the role, suggesting a responsibility for overseeing activities.

chief agent

Emphasizes the seniority or importance of the agent's role.

supervising agent

Implies that the agent is responsible for overseeing the work of others.

responsible party

Broadens the scope to include any individual or entity that is accountable for something.

point person

Highlights the agent as the main contact for a particular issue or task.

coordinator

Focuses on the role of organizing and managing activities.

overseer

Highlights the supervisory and monitoring aspect of the role.

FAQs

How is "agent in charge" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "agent in charge" is used to denote the person who is responsible for a particular task, operation, or office. For example, "The "agent in charge" of the investigation provided an update."

What are some alternative phrases for "agent in charge"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "officer in command", "lead agent", or "head of operations" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "agent in charge" in formal writing?

Yes, "agent in charge" is suitable for formal writing, especially in contexts related to law enforcement, security, or organizational management. It clearly defines the role of a person with specific responsibilities.

What is the difference between ""agent in charge"" and "officer in charge"?

While both terms denote someone in a leadership role, ""agent in charge"" is generally used in law enforcement or intelligence contexts, whereas "officer in charge" is more commonly used in military or general organizational settings.