functioned as an intermediary between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "functioned as an intermediary between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a role or position that facilitates communication or interaction between two or more parties. Example: "The organization functioned as an intermediary between the government and the local community to address their concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The deaconess functioned as an intermediary between female believers and the male clergy.

University of Pennsylvania

The election of Abbot Desiderius of Montecassino as Pope Victor III (1086 87) illustrates this change, since Desiderius had long functioned as an intermediary between the papacy and the Normans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first is an essay by Frederick de Armas, who argues that Amadís de Gaula functioned as an "intermediary" between Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, each of whom wrote a major work Don Quixote and The Tempest, respectively based on this important chivalric novel.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Group-buying Web sites function as an intermediary between local establishments and consumers.

The New York Times

As a 100% subsidiary of WISTA Management GmbH, it carries out mandatory tasks such as the development, urban land-use planning and supervision of construction projects and also functions as an intermediary between various co-developers.

Triple Helix

But Mr. Lowell said he also functioned as an "intermediary with his father".

The New York Times

In tumor cells, β2-AR, which functions as an intermediary in transmembrane signaling pathways, mediates the effects of catecholamines.

BMC Cancer

However, as the city regained its function as an intermediary between the nation and foreign governments, it regained its prominence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In other traditions, the "possessed" person is conceived as a medium for the controlling spirit and functions as an intermediary between spirits and men.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Wireless Service, based in Oakland County, Mich., recycles cell phones on behalf of assistance programs and functions as an intermediary between corporate and charitable clients.

TechCrunch

As most tendered transport is dependent on a dispatcher functioning as an intermediary between client and driver, there are scale benefits.

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "functioned as an intermediary between", clearly specify the parties involved to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The diplomat functioned as an intermediary between the two warring nations during the peace talks."

Common error

Avoid using "functioned as an intermediary between" without specifying what was being mediated or the purpose of the intermediation. For instance, instead of saying 'He functioned as an intermediary', clarify 'He functioned as an intermediary between the company and its investors, facilitating the funding process'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functioned as an intermediary between" serves as a predicative expression describing a role or action. It indicates that someone or something acted as a link or bridge, facilitating communication or interaction between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "functioned as an intermediary between" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe the role of a facilitator or connector between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely applicable. While it appears most frequently in news, academic, and encyclopedia contexts, its use is relatively uncommon overall. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to clearly specify the entities involved to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "served as a liaison" or "acted as a go-between" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and the specific nature of the interaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Served as a liaison

Substitutes "functioned" with "served" and "intermediary" with "liaison", indicating a formal connecting role.

Acted as a go-between

Replaces "functioned" with "acted", using the more informal term "go-between" for intermediary.

Facilitated communication between

Uses a more descriptive approach, emphasizing the act of enabling communication.

Worked as a channel between

Focuses on the phrase role of conveying information or resources between parties.

Mediated between

Replaces the entire phrase with "mediated", focusing on conflict resolution or negotiation.

Bridged the gap between

Employs a metaphorical expression, highlighting the role of connecting two distinct entities.

Operated as a broker between

Implies a more active role in negotiating and arranging agreements.

Interceded between

Suggests intervening on behalf of one party to another, often to resolve a dispute.

Connected the parties

Simplifies the phrase to highlight the act of bringing different parties together.

Served to connect

This emphasizes the action of creating a connection or relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "functioned as an intermediary between" in a sentence?

Use "functioned as an intermediary between" to describe someone or something that facilitates communication or action between two or more parties. For example, "The translator "functioned as an intermediary between" the diplomats from different countries."

What are some alternatives to "functioned as an intermediary between"?

Alternatives include "acted as a liaison", "served as a mediator", or "facilitated communication", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "functioned as an intermediary between" or "served as an intermediary between"?

Both "functioned as an intermediary between" and "served as an intermediary between" are grammatically correct. "Served" may imply a more formal or official role, while "functioned" is generally more neutral. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What is the difference between an intermediary and a mediator?

While both intermediaries and mediators facilitate interactions, a mediator specifically helps to resolve disputes or conflicts. An intermediary can have a broader role, including simply conveying information or resources.