as an interpreter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an interpreter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone’s role or function in the context of interpreting languages or translating spoken communication. Example: "She has worked in various settings, including conferences and legal proceedings, as an interpreter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After working as an interpreter for Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I was hired as an interpreter.

The Guardian

As an interpreter, Robertson displays a split personality.

The New Yorker

When Americans visit, she serves as an interpreter.

The New York Times

Yet Prégardien retains many virtues as an interpreter.

The Guardian - Music

She stepped in as an interpreter, advocate, counsel and friend.

The Guardian

The eldest son, Jawed Ahmad, worked as an interpreter at the NATO base.

The Washington Post

(Nobody quarrels with Mr. Harnoncourt as an interpreter of Viennese waltzes).

The New York Times - Arts

During negotiations in 1854 with Perry, Manjiro acted as an interpreter.

The Economist

From 1943 she worked at the Pentagon as an interpreter of aerial reconnaissance photographs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One wrote, "The applicant has no track record as an interpreter of the humanities".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as an interpreter", ensure the context clearly indicates the languages being interpreted to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "as an interpreter between English and Spanish".

Common error

Avoid using "as an interpreter" when you actually mean translator. Interpreters deal with spoken language, while translators work with written text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an interpreter" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or noun. It indicates the role, capacity, or function someone fulfills, specifically in the context of facilitating communication between different languages. As Ludwig examples confirm, it often specifies employment or a temporary assignment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as an interpreter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that clarifies someone's role in facilitating communication between languages. According to Ludwig, it's widely used across various sources, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias, which makes it a reliable phrase to use. Remember to distinguish between interpretation (spoken language) and translation (written language), and to use the correct article ("an" before "interpreter"). Alternatives like "in the capacity of an interpreter" can provide a more formal tone. Overall, "as an interpreter" serves a clear and essential function in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the capacity of an interpreter

This alternative emphasizes the formal role or function being performed.

in the role of a translator

Similar to 'in the capacity of an interpreter', but emphasizes the role.

interpreting professionally

This highlights the professional nature of the interpreting work.

functioning as a verbal intermediary

This is a more formal and technical way of describing the role of an interpreter.

providing interpretation services

This specifies the provision of a service related to interpretation.

working as a translator

This focuses on the act of translating rather than interpreting, implying written translation.

as a language facilitator

Focuses on enabling smooth communication between different languages.

serving as a liaison

This emphasizes the role of facilitating communication between parties.

mediating linguistically

Highlights the act of mediating through language.

acting as a communicator

This broadens the scope to any form of communication, not just language translation.

FAQs

How can I use "as an interpreter" in a sentence?

You can use "as an interpreter" to describe someone's role in facilitating communication between different languages. For example, "She worked /s/as+an+interpreter at the conference."

What is a good alternative to "as an interpreter"?

Alternatives include "in the capacity of an interpreter", "working as a translator" (if the context is written), or "serving as a liaison".

Is it correct to say "as a interpreter" instead of "as an interpreter"?

No, it is not correct. The indefinite article "an" should be used before the noun "interpreter" because it starts with a vowel sound.

What is the difference between working "as an interpreter" and working "as a translator"?

The main difference is that an interpreter works with spoken language, converting it in real-time from one language to another. A translator, on the other hand, works with written language, converting texts from one language to another.