broker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to finance, real estate, or any situation where someone acts as an intermediary between parties. Example: "The broker facilitated the sale of the property, ensuring both the buyer and seller were satisfied with the terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since the two sides sat down to negotiate an end to Colombia's 50-year-old internal conflict, the negotiators have achieved more progress than any previous effort to broker peace.

The Guardian

Nick Clegg's pose as honest broker was a grating reprise of last time – and it felt bust.

The Guardian - Opinion

Andrew Mitchell, the former Tory chief whip who is leading negotiations to try and broker a deal between the government and the rebels, told MPs: "The government is absolutely right to proceed with caution on the human rights legislation as outlined today.

The Guardian

Mark Harris, chief executive of rival mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, said: "With the Co-op launching a two-year fix at 1.09%, unbelievable as it may seem, it could only be a matter of time before we have a sub-1% two-year fix".

The Guardian - Money

Juncker, perceived until now as an honest broker in the crisis – taking a softer approach than the Germans, who are viewed in Greece as the architects of austerity – has rarely been seen in such an irate state, sources close to the EU in Garmisch-Partenkirchen said.

The Guardian

Chris Love of broker Mortgage Simplicity said: "The effect of the funding for lending scheme is still being felt most in the low loan-to-value sector, but it is certainly now working up to higher loan-to-value offerings".

The Guardian - Money

On Tuesday, the Greek finance ministry said after Varoufakis's talks with Treasury officials in Washington earlier this week, the US government had expressed a willingness to play the role of "honest broker" in negotiations between Athens and its lenders.

The Guardian

What we can do, I think, is use the efforts that we've made militarily to broker a political settlement that ensures the Afghanistan constitution is abided by, that elections remain free and fair, that human rights including women's rights are respected".

The Guardian

Many of the tax breaks involve projects connected to Norcross, the Democratic power broker, whose tacit support for Christie is widely viewed as vital to his 2009 victory over the then governor Jon Corzine.

The Guardian

The resumption of gas supplies from Russia should mean heat for Ukrainian homes through the coming winter after the European Union helped broker a deal in October.

The Guardian

Mark Harris, chief executive of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, says it's "a great idea".

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broker" as a verb, ensure clarity regarding what is being brokered (e.g., "broker a deal", "broker peace").

Common error

Avoid using "broker" in contexts where simple communication or information transfer is sufficient. "Broker" implies a more active role in negotiating or mediating an outcome.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "broker" is both as a noun, referring to an intermediary, and as a verb, denoting the action of mediating or negotiating. Ludwig examples confirm its use in both these roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "broker" functions both as a noun and a verb, commonly used in contexts involving mediation, negotiation, and facilitation of agreements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, its usage is generally neutral to professional. To avoid errors, remember that "broker" implies a more active role than simply conveying information. Consider alternatives like "intermediary" or "agent" for nuanced meaning. Best practice includes ensuring what is being brokered is clearly defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intermediary

Focuses on the role of acting as a go-between without necessarily implying negotiation.

agent

Highlights the representation aspect, often implying acting on behalf of a principal.

mediator

Specifically emphasizes the role of resolving disputes or facilitating agreements.

negotiator

Stresses the act of bargaining and reaching a compromise.

facilitator

Highlights the act of making a process easier or more efficient.

middleman

Suggests a position in a supply chain or transaction, sometimes with a negative connotation.

dealer

Implies buying and selling goods, often in a specific market.

liaison

Emphasizes communication and coordination between parties.

go-between

Informal term for someone who connects two parties.

interceder

Someone who intervenes to reconcile differences between two parties.

FAQs

How can I use "broker" in a sentence?

You can use "broker" as a noun to refer to an agent or intermediary, like in "He is a stock "broker"". As a verb, it means to negotiate or mediate, as in "They tried to "broker" a deal".

What are some alternatives to using "broker"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "intermediary", "agent", or "mediator".

Is it correct to say "broker a meeting"?

While less common, "broker a meeting" can be acceptable if you mean facilitating or arranging the meeting with the intention of achieving a specific outcome or agreement.

What is the difference between a "broker" and a "dealer"?

A ""broker"" acts as an intermediary, connecting buyers and sellers, while a "dealer" buys and sells assets for their own account.