by proxy of a

USAGE SUMMARY

'by proxy of a' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the indirect or representative relationship between two things. For example, "The company was represented by proxy of a new head of operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Specifically for colonoscopy training (studied here) only one study is known to us that investigates the relation between achievement in such training and visuo-spatial ability (by proxy of a Spatial relations test).

Advances in Health Sciences Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A friendly albatross, king by proxy of all the skies.

Vice

But for Cuba's leaders, it is much more: a test by proxy of its Communist system of government.

The New York Times - Sports

I certainly wasn't expecting to find out that Gill was a member by proxy of the celebrity aristocracy, having once been splashed over 10 pages of OK magazine in a photo extravaganza celebrating his marriage to Angus Deayton's sister-in-law, nor to discover that he is the godfather of Heavenly Hiraani Tiger, the daughter of the late Paula Yates and Michael Hutchence.

The Guardian - Music

In our study we found no evidence that presumed consent systems perform better than explicit consent systems; we did not find obvious differences between consent systems (figure 3), nor did we find that donor efficiency rates by proxy of presumed consent countries increased in a more accelerated way than those of explicit consent countries (table 2).

BMC Health Services Research

Being a kid, I had a scholarship to a decent school and, by proxy of that, was surrounded by people whose parents were better off than my own.

Vice

A request to a church spokesman for comment on the alleged baptism by proxy of Gandhi was not immediately returned.

Huffington Post

In the war by proxy of the sort that has characterized the history of modern Sudan, Kony has been one of the beneficiaries of Khartoum's airdropped largesse.

The New Yorker

"Shall I make you, and you make me complete?" he has asked Christian earlier, when first proposing the courtship by proxy of Roxane.

The New York Times

By contrast, Dennis' nervous system is channeled through materials and objects by proxy of industrial manufacturing and the laborers who man the assembly lines, transport, and site installations of his increasingly monumental anti-monuments.

Huffington Post

First study to measure outcome by proxy of first metformin prescription as indication of significant diabetes development.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by proxy of a", ensure that the relationship between the original subject and its proxy is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider if a more direct phrase might enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "by proxy of a" in situations where a simpler preposition like "through" or "via" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by proxy of a" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating the means or method through which something is achieved or represented indirectly. This often clarifies that the subject is acting through a substitute or representative.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by proxy of a" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is achieved or represented indirectly, usually through a substitute or representative. Ludwig identifies the phrase as correct for use in written English, though it is relatively rare. It is often found in formal and scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity and consider whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate. Common alternatives include "through the means of a", "via the agency of a", and "as a representative of a". While grammatically correct, be mindful of overcomplicating your sentence structure by using it when a simpler preposition could suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a representative of a

This option clearly indicates that someone or something is acting on behalf of another.

acting on behalf of a

This highlights the act of representing or substituting for someone else.

as a substitute for a

Similar to "in place of a", this phrase underscores the role of one thing taking the place of another.

through the means of a

This alternative specifies the method or instrument used to achieve something indirectly.

in place of a

This emphasizes the substitution or replacement of one thing by another.

via the agency of a

This suggests that an action is carried out through the intervention or assistance of another entity.

by virtue of a

This option implies that something happens because of the power or right associated with something else.

using a stand-in for a

This explicitly suggests that a substitute or representative is being used, often temporarily.

by way of a

This indicates that something is done as a means to an end or as a route to achieve a goal.

in the guise of a

This phrase suggests that something is presented or perceived in a particular form, often concealing its true nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "by proxy of a" to indicate that something is achieved or represented indirectly. For instance, "The company's success was measured "by proxy of a" rise in stock prices".

What are some alternatives to "by proxy of a"?

Alternatives include phrases like "through the means of a", "via the agency of a", or "as a representative of a", which may offer more clarity depending on the context.

Is "by proxy of a" formal or informal?

The phrase "by proxy of a" tends to be more formal and is often found in academic or technical writing. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

What's the difference between "by proxy of a" and "by virtue of a"?

"By proxy of a" suggests indirect representation, while "by virtue of a" implies something is due to the power or right associated with something else. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize representation or inherent power.