an agent who

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an agent who" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific type of person or entity that acts on behalf of another, often in contexts related to business, law, or representation. Example: "An agent who specializes in real estate can help you find the perfect home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Actually, Oliver had an agent who was selling films abroad.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If you have an agent who can give you those passwords, that's clearly crucial.

Harvard University

They hooked up with an agent, who suggested they call themselves the Freshmen Four.

The New York Times - Arts

It was after Euro 2000 from an agent who represented Internazionale.

Independent

"I wouldn't question his integrity," Lawrence Ferazani, an agent who worked closely with him, said.

The New Yorker

But she told Lucinda that she knew an agent who might work with her".

The New York Times

"He's had an extraordinary reaction," said Tim Howard, an agent who signed him in March.

The New York Times

From the camp he got an agent, who sent him on auditions throughout high school.

The New York Times

Forty years ago, growers sold their wine to an agent, who sold it to local shops.

The New York Times

She briefly pins her acting hopes on an agent who claims to have connections at MGM.

The New York Times - Books

But he proved to be an agent who had all the right instincts.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an agent who", ensure the context clearly defines the agent's role and responsibilities to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'I need an agent who can help', specify 'I need "an agent who specializes" in real estate investment'.

Common error

Avoid using "that" instead of "who" when referring to people. "Who" is the correct relative pronoun for individuals. For instance, instead of "an agent that represents me", use "an agent who represents me".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an agent who" functions as a relative clause, introducing additional information or specifying a characteristic of the agent. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an agent who" is a grammatically correct and commonly used relative clause. It functions to add specific information about an agent, typically a person acting on behalf of someone else. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, supporting its versatility. While alternatives exist, such as "a representative that" or "a liaison who", "who" is generally preferred over "that" when referring to people. As Ludwig AI confirms, using "who" maintains grammatical clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a representative that

Replaces "agent" with "representative", emphasizing the act of representing someone.

a person acting as an intermediary

More formal, highlighting the role of facilitating between parties.

an individual in charge of

Focuses on the responsibility and control aspect of the role.

a broker that

Specific to financial or commercial contexts, implying negotiation skills.

a delegate who

Suggests someone chosen to represent a group or entity.

a liaison that

Emphasizes communication and connection between parties.

a negotiator who

Highlights the skill of negotiating and reaching agreements.

a spokesperson that

Implies representing a company or organization publicly.

a proxy that

Suggests someone authorized to act on another's behalf, often in legal contexts.

a middleman that

Implies facilitating transactions or communication between two parties.

FAQs

How do I properly use "an agent who" in a sentence?

Use "an agent who" when you want to specify a particular attribute or role of an agent. For instance, "I'm looking for "an agent who specializes" in commercial properties".

What are some alternatives to "an agent who"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a representative that", "an intermediary that", or "a liaison who".

Is it grammatically correct to use "that" instead of "who" after "an agent"?

While some might argue that "that" can be used for restrictive clauses, it is generally preferred to use "who" when referring to people. Therefore, "an agent who" is the more grammatically sound choice.

What's the difference between "an agent who" and "an agent that"?

"An agent who" specifically refers to a person, emphasizing their role or attribute. Although "that" can sometimes be used, "who" is more appropriate and clearer when referring to individuals.