deputy to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deputy to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who serves as a subordinate or assistant to a higher-ranking official or leader. Example: "She was appointed as the deputy to the director of operations, assisting in various administrative tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

George W. Bush, working as the deputy to Karen Hughes.

The New York Times

Cazorla was the reliable deputy to both players.

The New York Times - Sports

At Louisville, Hermann was the top deputy to Tom Jurich.

The New York Times - Sports

Most recently she was the top deputy to Mr. Capus.

The New York Times

In 1848 Rattazzi was elected deputy to the Sardinian Parliament.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I'm very pleased to carry on being deputy to Ed".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This caused Andy, a deputy, to burst into passionate sobs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In 1791 he was elected a deputy to the Revolution's Legislative Assembly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1978 Barre was elected from the Rhône département as a deputy to the National Assembly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 2008, he was deputy to the finance chairwoman, Penny Pritzker.

The New York Times

Ms. White appointed Andrew J. Bowden, Mr. di Florio's deputy, to succeed him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "deputy to", ensure clarity about the specific responsibilities and authority held by the deputy in relation to the person they assist. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "deputy to" automatically implies full authority to act in the superior's absence. Explicitly define the limits of the deputy's powers to prevent overstepping or confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deputy to" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a subordinate or assisting role. It connects an individual with the person they support. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable and correct in written English. The examples show various contexts, highlighting its versatile nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deputy to" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe someone assisting or subordinate to a higher-ranking individual. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's prevalent in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While alternatives like "assistant to" or "aide to" exist, "deputy to" specifically denotes a direct relationship of assistance and often implies a formal role. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the deputy's responsibilities and authority to avoid ambiguity. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for professional and informative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second-in-command to

Emphasizes the hierarchical structure and the role of being next in line after the leader.

lieutenant to

Commonly used in military or law enforcement contexts to denote a direct subordinate.

assistant to

Indicates a supportive role, similar to "deputy to", but might imply less authority or responsibility.

right-hand to

Implies a close working relationship and high level of trust, similar to a trusted advisor.

number two to

Informal way of indicating the second most important person in a hierarchy.

aide to

Suggests providing help and support, often in a less formal setting than "deputy to".

subordinate to

Highlights the lower rank or position relative to someone else.

associate of

Suggests a collaborative relationship but does not necessarily indicate a hierarchical structure.

acting for

Indicates temporarily taking on the responsibilities of someone higher up.

proxy for

Suggests representing someone else, often in their absence or when they are unable to act.

FAQs

How is "deputy to" used in a sentence?

The phrase "deputy to" is used to describe someone who assists or is subordinate to a higher-ranking person. For example, "She was appointed "deputy to" the director of operations".

What are some alternatives to saying "deputy to"?

You can use alternatives like "assistant to", "aide to", or "second-in-command to", depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it grammatically correct to say "deputy of" instead of "deputy to"?

While "deputy of" can be used to indicate someone holding the position of a deputy, "deputy to" is more specific in denoting a direct relationship of assistance or subordination to a particular individual. The correct usage depends on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between being a "deputy to" and a "deputy director"?

A "deputy to" someone implies a direct assisting role to that specific person. A "deputy director", on the other hand, is a formal position within an organization, and while they may assist the director, their role encompasses broader responsibilities within the organization's structure.