as a proxy for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a proxy for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that serves as a substitute or intermediary for something else. Example: "The survey results were used as a proxy for the overall satisfaction of the customer base."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An airline levy is mooted as a proxy for privilege.

The Guardian

It's using race as a proxy for crime".

The New Yorker

So insurers are using age as a proxy for health.

The Economist

High scores are treated as a proxy for high impact.

The Economist

(Mr. Brewer argued that some voters marked their ballot "uncommitted" as a proxy for Mr. Obama).

The New York Times

It has limited usefulness now, as a proxy for ancestral geographic region".

The New York Times - Health

"Our concern," he says, "is that age is still being used as a proxy for need.

The Guardian

(I used the family dog, Roscoe, as a proxy for my non-existent pet).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The GI-AA was used as a proxy for GCRs.

Advances in Space Research

Turbidity is usually used as a proxy for suspended matter.

Journal of Hydrology

as a proxy for droughts and their related economic stresses.

Dendrochronologia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a proxy for", ensure that the proxy is a reasonable and justifiable substitute for the original variable. Clearly explain the relationship and limitations of using the proxy.

Common error

Avoid implying that the proxy is a perfect substitute. Always acknowledge the potential for error or bias when using a proxy variable. For example, instead of saying "Age is a perfect proxy for health", state "Age is used as a proxy for health, although it is not a definitive measure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a proxy for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, noun, or clause. It indicates that one thing is being used as a substitute or representation for another, often due to practical limitations or measurement difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a proxy for" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that one thing serves as a substitute or indicator for another, typically when direct measurement is not feasible. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that the phrase is grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, especially within Science and News & Media. When using this phrase, it's crucial to acknowledge potential limitations and clearly explain the relationship between the proxy and the variable it represents. Common alternatives include "as a substitute for" and "in place of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioning as a substitute for

Highlights the role of replacing something else, typically when the original is unavailable.

being used in place of

Stresses the act of using one thing instead of another.

serving as a stand-in for

Emphasizes the temporary or substitute nature of the replacement.

representing as a surrogate for

Highlights the representative aspect, particularly when standing in for something more complex.

acting as an indicator of

Focuses on the function of indicating or signaling something else, rather than a direct substitution.

substituting as a reflection of

Highlights how the proxy mirrors characteristics of original.

standing in as a parallel to

Implies a mirroring or corresponding relationship.

working as a marker of

Emphasizes the function of identifying or signifying something.

operating as a gauge for

Specifically suggests the phrase is used to measure or assess something.

offering itself as an analogy to

Focuses on the analogical relationship between the proxy and what it represents.

FAQs

How can I use "as a proxy for" in a sentence?

You can use "as a proxy for" to indicate that one thing is being used as a substitute or indicator for another. For example, "We used test scores "as a proxy for" student learning".

What are some alternatives to "as a proxy for"?

Alternatives include "as a substitute for", "in place of", or "as an indicator of", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use something "as a proxy for" something else?

It's appropriate when directly measuring or obtaining data for the intended variable is difficult, costly, or impossible. The proxy should have a strong, justifiable correlation with the variable it represents.

What are the limitations of using something "as a proxy for" something else?

Using a proxy introduces potential for error or bias. The proxy may not perfectly represent the intended variable, and the relationship between the proxy and the variable should be clearly stated and understood. Always consider the limitations when interpreting results.