intermediary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intermediary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person or entity that acts as a mediator or facilitator between two parties. Example: "In the negotiation process, the lawyer served as an intermediary to help both sides reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The third issue the EFF is concerned with is that of intermediary liability, which burdens ISPs and websites with stricter copyright infringement laws in a way that is veiled censorship, cautions Sutton.

The Guardian - Business

Mora runs the environmentalist non-governmental organisation Őkotárs in Budapest, which acts as the intermediary distributor of money from Norway's generous aid programme for civil society projects in central and eastern Europe.

The Guardian

Jorge Mendes, the agent, transfer intermediary and adviser to third-party ownership (TPO) funds, is a close friend of Lim and has been significantly involved with the acquisitions of Rodrigo and Gomes, as well as other moves to Valencia.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, the secretary of state, Paul Murphy, would have to act as intermediary.

The Guardian

In 2012, Russia's overseas arms sales reportedly exceeded $14bn, and around 80% of these sales were accounted for by state intermediary agency Rosoboronexport.

The Guardian

Ng drew attention in the US after a congressional investigation in 1998 found that he acted as an intermediary in delivering more than $1m to help fund Democratic party election campaigns.

The Guardian

The dakhma is presented as the only intermediary for the true Zoroastrian.

The Guardian

Labour will have a direct relationship with affiliated supporters for the first time, without unions acting as an intermediary.

The Guardian

The organisation acts as an intermediary between large aid agencies and African producers, putting together packages of aid supplies sourced locally.

The Guardian

Ali Rahnama has been suspended from all agency activity and intermediary activity for a period of nine months, with six months suspended.

The Guardian - Sport

Last month he launched a scheme called the National Talent Bank, developed by his Council on Social Action, to act as an intermediary between employers who are scaling back working hours and those organising volunteering opportunities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intermediary", ensure that the context clearly indicates the parties being mediated between. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "intermediary" when a direct interaction is present or implied. "Intermediary" suggests a separation and a mediating role that isn't always applicable.

Linguistic Context

The word "intermediary" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a person or entity that acts as a mediator or agent between parties. Ludwig shows its usage in various contexts, such as business, politics, and finance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "intermediary" is a versatile noun denoting an agent or mediator between parties. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, highlighting its prevalence in news, business, and scientific contexts. While "intermediary" is generally appropriate, related phrases like "mediator" or "go-between" may suit specific contexts better. As such, writers must ensure clarity in their usage of "intermediary" and consider possible substitutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mediator

A direct synonym, emphasizing the role of resolving disputes or facilitating agreements.

go-between

An informal term for someone who carries messages or negotiates between parties.

broker

Implies a professional who arranges transactions, especially in finance or real estate.

agent

A general term for someone acting on behalf of another party.

middleman

Similar to go-between, often used in a business context.

facilitator

Emphasizes the role of making a process easier or smoother.

negotiator

Focuses on the act of bargaining or discussing to reach an agreement.

liaison

Highlights the role of communication and coordination between groups.

intercessor

Implies pleading or mediating on behalf of someone.

conduit

Suggests a channel or means of transmitting something.

FAQs

How to use "intermediary" in a sentence?

You can use "intermediary" to describe someone who acts as a mediator between two or more parties. For example, "The lawyer served as an "intermediary" during the contract negotiations."

What can I say instead of "intermediary"?

You can use alternatives like "mediator", "go-between", or "broker" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "intermediary" and "agent"?

"Intermediary" implies a neutral role in facilitating communication or transactions, while "agent" suggests acting on behalf of a specific party with their interests in mind.

Is "intermediary" a formal or informal term?

"Intermediary" is generally considered a neutral to formal term, suitable for professional and academic contexts. More informal terms like "go-between" might be used in casual conversation.