serving as an agent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serving as an agent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is acting on behalf of another party or performing a specific role. Example: "The lawyer is serving as an agent for the client during the negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Mr. Fai was charged with failing to register with the Justice Department that he was serving as an agent for the Pakistan government.

The New York Times

Mr. Jenoff told Mr. Lynch that before his arrest he had lied for years about his college education and about serving as an agent of the C.I.A. and a member of the Baltimore Police Department.

The New York Times

A10 Israel Evicts Arab Moderate Israel shut down the Jerusalem office of Sari Nusseibeh, the leading voice of moderation among Palestinians, accusing him of undermining Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem by serving as an agent of Yasir Arafat's Palestinian Authority.

The New York Times

Israel today shut down the office here of Sari Nusseibeh, the leading voice of moderation among Palestinians, accusing him of undermining Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem by serving as an agent of Yasir Arafat's Palestinian Authority.

The New York Times

He fails all the necessary physical and psych tests to continue serving as an agent, but M approves his return to the field anyway.

Vice

Private sector immunization provider sites included private providers, faculty practices, health maintenance organizations, and private hospitals (not serving as an agent for an FQHC).

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mr. Limato stood apart by actually serving as a talent agent.

The New York Times

He also served as an agent for British Security Coordination during the war.

Cornell University

Experts fear that the virus even could serve as an agent of bioterrorism.

The New York Times - Health

He said his son wanted his accident to serve as an agent for change and reform.

The New York Times - Health

How can the pavilion serve as an agent provocateur in addressing key cultural and urban questions of our time?

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serving as an agent", ensure the context clearly defines who or what the agent is representing. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "serving as an agent" when the entity is simply providing a service without representation. For example, a delivery service is not typically "serving as an agent" but rather providing a logistical service.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serving as an agent" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the role or capacity in which someone or something is acting. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serving as an agent" is grammatically sound and conveys the role or capacity in which an entity acts on behalf of another. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable in written English. Though not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, including news, academia, and science, with a neutral to formal tone. When writing, ensure clarity regarding who or what the agent represents to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases include "acting as a representative" or "functioning as an intermediary", which might suit different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acting as a representative

This alternative focuses on the act of representing someone or something.

functioning as an intermediary

This highlights the role of facilitating communication or negotiation between parties.

working as a liaison

This suggests a role of connecting different entities or groups.

performing the role of

This emphasizes the specific function or duty being carried out.

fulfilling the function of

This highlights the completion or execution of a particular task.

operating as a conduit

This implies acting as a channel or pathway for something to pass through.

officiating as

This suggests a formal or official capacity.

standing in the position of

This emphasizes the placement or role one occupies.

taking on the agency of

Focuses on assuming the power to act or represent.

being a proxy for

Implies acting on behalf of another due to absence or delegation.

FAQs

How can I use "serving as an agent" in a sentence?

You can use "serving as an agent" to describe someone or something acting on behalf of another party. For instance, "The lawyer is serving as an agent for the client during the negotiations."

What's the difference between "serving as an agent" and "acting as a representative"?

While similar, "serving as an agent" often implies a more formal or legally defined role, while "acting as a representative" can be broader and less formal.

What can I say instead of "serving as an agent"?

You can use alternatives like "functioning as an intermediary", "working as a liaison", or "acting as a representative" depending on the specific context.

Is "serving as an agent" formal or informal language?

"Serving as an agent" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for professional, legal, and academic contexts.