as an agent of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an agent of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is acting on behalf of or representing a particular organization, entity, or cause. Example: "She was appointed as an agent of the organization to negotiate the terms of the agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The value of tear gas as an agent of fear was clear from its inception.

Huffington Post

A. finegoldii should be considered as an agent of bacteremia in patients with gastrointestinal pathologic conditions.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

It should register as an agent of a foreign government.

The Washington Post

Frederick Barbarossa saw himself as an agent of unification.

Britannica

And as an agent of creativity it is a landmark.

The New York Times - Arts

Thus capitalism is applauded as an agent of social progress.

The Guardian - Opinion

Each was recruited as an agent of destruction.

The New Yorker

He was being denounced in the press and by political leaders as an agent of violence.

Harvard University

It is chartered as an agent of the state for furnishing public accommodation.

Cornell University

Anthrax poses a clear and present danger as an agent of biological terrorism.

Stanford University

He saw himself as an agent of transformative change but in practice he was a trimmer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as an agent of", ensure the noun following 'of' clearly identifies the entity, cause, or organization being represented. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "as an agent of" in very informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "representing" or "acting for" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an agent of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It typically specifies the role or capacity in which someone or something is acting, indicating representation or acting on behalf of a particular entity or cause. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as an agent of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies a role or capacity of representation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, while the examples show it is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using "as an agent of", ensure that the entity being represented is clearly identified, and consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. Remember that "as an agent of change" describes an action, while "a change agent" refers to a person. Keep in mind, as Ludwig's analysis has shown, that the phrase functions to define roles and is primarily used in more formal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on behalf of

This alternative offers a more direct way of expressing representation or acting for someone or something.

representing

This term emphasizes the act of standing in for or symbolizing something else.

acting as

This phrase focuses on the functional role or capacity in which someone is operating.

serving as

Similar to "acting as", this highlights the service or function being performed.

functioning as

This alternative emphasizes the role or purpose that someone or something fulfills.

in the capacity of

This phrase indicates the specific role or position someone holds while acting.

as a representative of

This term highlights the act of representing a group, organization, or idea.

by virtue of

This alternative suggests that the action is due to a specific quality or power.

empowered by

This term suggests that the entity is given power to act.

authorized by

This suggests that the entity has the official power to act.

FAQs

How can I use "as an agent of" in a sentence?

Use "as an agent of" to describe someone or something acting on behalf of a particular entity or cause. For example, "She worked as an agent of change within the organization."

What are some alternatives to "as an agent of"?

You can use alternatives like "on behalf of", "representing", or "acting as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as an agent for" instead of "as an agent of"?

While "as an agent for" might be acceptable in some contexts, "as an agent of" is generally preferred when indicating representation or acting on behalf of an entity or cause. Consider "on behalf of".

What's the difference between "as an agent of change" and simply "a change agent"?

"As an agent of change" describes someone acting to bring about change, while "a change agent" is a noun referring to a person or thing that facilitates change. The former focuses on the action; the latter, on the identity.