by proxy

USAGE SUMMARY

'by proxy' is correct and usable in written English.
It is primarily used as an adverb and is typically used to describe something that was done or happened indirectly, such as voting or attending a meeting. For example, "The company attended the committee meeting by proxy".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

11 1 *PARENTHOOD BY PROXY, by Laura Schlessinger.

The New York Times - Books

We rebelled by proxy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Incest trauma by proxy.

The New Yorker

Coup by proxy.

The New York Times

Being kind by proxy!

The New Yorker

"It's an apprenticeship by proxy".

The New York Times - Magazine

Imperialism by proxy?

The New York Times

A conflict by proxy.

The Guardian - Tech

It was by proxy.

The Guardian

It's credibility by proxy.

Harvard Business Review

Placebo by proxy.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by proxy" to clearly indicate that an action or experience is happening indirectly through someone or something else. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "by proxy" when the action is actually direct. "By proxy" means something is done indirectly, so using it when the action is direct creates a contradiction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by proxy" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate that an action is performed indirectly through a substitute or representative. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Science

18%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by proxy" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that an action or experience is happening indirectly. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic and scientific publications. When writing, remember that "by proxy" signifies indirect involvement. Be mindful of using it correctly to ensure your message is clear and accurate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through an intermediary

Emphasizes the use of a mediator to achieve an action.

via a representative

Highlights the formal delegation of authority.

using a surrogate

Focuses on the replacement of someone or something.

by means of an agent

Suggests a formal or legal representation.

indirectly

A more general term for not acting directly.

on behalf of

Acting in the interest of another.

in someone's stead

Highlights the substitution of one person for another.

through delegation

Emphasizes the act of assigning responsibility.

vicariously

Experiencing something through another person's actions.

in representation

Formally acting on behalf of someone else.

FAQs

How can I use "by proxy" in a sentence?

You can use "by proxy" to indicate that someone is acting through a representative, for example: "The vote was cast "by proxy" since she couldn't attend the meeting".

What are some alternatives to saying "by proxy"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "through an intermediary", "via a representative", or "using a surrogate".

Is it correct to say someone experienced something "by proxy"?

Yes, it's correct. It means they experienced it indirectly, through someone else's experiences. For example: "She lived "vicariously" through her daughter's travels".

What's the difference between "by proxy" and "on behalf of"?

"By proxy" implies indirect action or representation, while "on behalf of" suggests acting in someone's interest or representing them directly. They are not always interchangeable.