it was by proxy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was by proxy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action or decision made on behalf of someone else, often in contexts like voting or representation. Example: "The decision was made by proxy, as the main representative was unable to attend the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was by proxy.

The Guardian

"We figured this is the next best thing," said Ms. Williams, 31, "It's kind of a G-rated version, but we wanted a taste of New Orleans, even if it was by proxy.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The resulting book is consequently something of a hybrid: an autobiography written, as it were, by proxy, and finessed, by choice and by its creator's natural affinities, into a novel.

The Guardian - Books

The most famous was Thomas Chatterton, an 18th-century writer who forged poems that he said were written by one Thomas Rowley, a medieval monk, and which continue to be much admired.Some of Mr Kujau's work may continue to be admired only, as it were, by proxy.

The Economist

If, outside of term time, your home address is in Scotland, it would be best to be registered there so you can definitely vote when referendum day comes, even if it's by post or proxy.

BBC

I guess it was eating by proxy.

Huffington Post

If you're in the storytelling business, as Kickstarter is by proxy — given it's a platform for storytellers to sell their ideas — then figuring out a way to create satisfying narratives when things go wrong is a smart move.

TechCrunch

It can be said that "Pelleas et Melisande" is by proxy Wagner's greatest success, for in it the gathering of art forms into a unity achieves a perfection that Wagnerian gluttony made impossible.

The New York Times - Arts

Rejecting the authenticity of Obama's American-ness is by proxy a rejection of black American authenticity.

The Guardian - Opinion

ROOTS Ninety-five percent of temple ceremonies are "by proxy" — performed vicariously by current members for people who have died.

The New York Times

But most of the conflicts, as in Vietnam, were by proxy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was by proxy", ensure that the subject performing the action and the intended recipient are clearly defined within the sentence for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was by proxy" when describing actions that are merely influenced by another person but not directly performed on their behalf; ensure the proxy is actively substituting for the original actor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was by proxy" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating that an action or experience occurred indirectly, through a substitute, or representative. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was by proxy" is a grammatically correct construction used to convey that an action or experience occurred indirectly, through a substitute. While Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage, its frequency is relatively rare. It finds primary application in news, media, and scientific contexts, assuming a neutral formality. Alternatives include "it happened indirectly" or "it was carried out on someone's behalf". Key considerations include ensuring that the proxy relationship is clearly defined and avoiding its use when influence is present but direct substitution is not.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was carried out on someone's behalf

Highlights that the action was done to benefit another person.

it happened indirectly

Replaces the specific term "by proxy" with a more general description of indirect action.

it was achieved via a representative

Emphasizes the role of a representative in accomplishing something.

it was done through an intermediary

Specifies that an intermediary was involved in the action.

it was a mediated action

Implies that the action was filtered or influenced by another party.

it was a vicarious experience

Highlights the feeling of experiencing something through another person.

it was a substitute action

Focuses on replacement of original act.

it occurred second-hand

Focuses on the action being received or experienced from a secondary source.

it was derivatively obtained

Highlights the action being indirectly or secondarily obtained.

it was experienced at one remove

Emphasizes the distance or separation from the direct experience.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was by proxy" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it was achieved via a representative" or "it was carried out on someone's behalf" instead of "it was by proxy".

What is the difference between "it was by proxy" and "it was indirectly"?

"It was by proxy" specifically implies that someone or something acted as a substitute for another. "It happened indirectly" simply suggests a lack of direct causation or involvement, without necessarily implying substitution.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was by proxy"?

Use "it was by proxy" when describing scenarios where an action, decision, or experience is undertaken by a designated substitute or representative, such as in voting, representation, or vicarious experiences. Ensure a genuine substitution is taking place.

Can "it was by proxy" be used to describe emotional experiences?

Yes, "it was by proxy" can describe emotional experiences, particularly when someone is vicariously experiencing emotions through another person's actions or experiences. For example, "it was a vicarious experience" captures the emotional indirection.