mediating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mediating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is acting as an intermediary or facilitator in a discussion, negotiation, or conflict resolution. Example: "The counselor is mediating the discussion between the two parties to help them reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I don't like that, it's bad and damaging.The Economist: Many people believe you are the only person who might be accepted by both sides as a mediator to reduce polarization and assure a democratic future for Venezuela.President Mujica: Look, mediating is one thing (pauses).

The Economist

The Sudan People's Liberation Army SPLAA) was surrounding our camp for protection since Sudan was mediating the peace talks.

The Guardian

They need to know that those mediating get this feeling, not at a rational but at an empathetic level.

The Guardian - Opinion

Van Rompuy and Juncker are the EU's brace of archetypal fixers, the quiet, clever men in suits who spend their lives mediating between Paris and Berlin, between big countries and small countries.

The Guardian

"Silence please," Annan was forced to plea as his speech was interrupted, something that can rarely have happened to him at the UN general assembly or even mediating in Syria.

The Guardian

The video was shown at a time when Fifa and Uefa are jointly mediating deadlocked talks between the Russian and Ukrainian football authorities over the status of Crimea's clubs.

The Guardian - Sport

To Mr Barroso's credit, he has kept protection at bay and preserved the single market.The commission's role in mediating between large and small countries, creditors and debtors, and left and right, remains vital and faces dangers.

The Economist

It has been more forceful in mediating peace talks.

The Economist

A key figure in mediating the clan interests is Ramiz Mehdiev, the 73-year-old chief of staff, who served under Mr Aliyev senior and was entrusted by him to keep his son in power.But while Mr Mehdiev controls the interior ministry and civil servants, the oligarchs run the economy.

The Economist

Russia's President Medvedev has spent much time mediating between the Armenian and Azeri presidents; now the Obama administration is taking an interest too.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Unlike France's 2008 presidency of the European Union, when his globe-trotting and war-mediating boosted his popularity, the G20 issues are technical and hard to explain to voters.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mediating", ensure the context clearly identifies the parties involved and the subject of the dispute or negotiation. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "mediating", which involves intervening between parties, with "meditating", which refers to a practice of focused thought or reflection. Ensure you use the correct term based on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mediating" is as a present participle or gerund of the verb "mediate". It describes the action of someone who intervenes between parties to reconcile differences or facilitate an agreement. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show it used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mediating" functions as a present participle or gerund, predominantly used to describe the action of intervening between parties to resolve conflicts or facilitate agreements. As Ludwig highlights, the term is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media, formal business contexts and it conveys a neutral to professional tone. Be careful not to confuse "mediating" with "meditating". When writing, ensure that the parties involved and the subject of mediation are clearly identified. Related terms include "arbitrating", "liaising", and "facilitating", each carrying nuanced differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arbitrating

Focuses more on a formal judgment or decision-making process.

facilitating

Emphasizes making a process easier or smoother.

acting as an intermediary

Uses a noun phrase to describe the role of the person mediating.

interceding

Emphasizes the act of pleading or intervening on behalf of someone.

intervening in

Adds a preposition to highlight that someone is taking action in order to affect an event or situation.

liaising

Highlights communication and coordination between parties.

conciliating

Highlights the act of pacifying or appeasing.

negotiating

Suggests a discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.

brokering a deal

Specifically refers to facilitating an agreement or transaction.

reconciling

Implies restoring friendly relations after a conflict.

FAQs

How is "mediating" used in a sentence?

"Mediating" is used to describe the action of intervening between people or groups to reconcile differences. For example, "The diplomat is "mediating" between the warring factions."

What are some synonyms for "mediating"?

Alternatives for "mediating" include "arbitrating", "liaising", or "facilitating", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "mediating" and "negotiating"?

"Mediating" involves a neutral third party helping others to reach an agreement, while "negotiating" is a direct discussion between the involved parties to find a mutually acceptable solution.

When should I use "mediating" versus "intervening"?

"Mediating" implies a more structured and impartial role in resolving a conflict, while "intervening" can refer to any act of getting involved in a situation, even without the goal of reconciliation. Use "intervening" when you simply mean 'to take part in something'.