the agent of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the agent of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone or something that causes or initiates an action or effect. Example: "He was the agent of change in the organization." Alternative expressions include "the cause of" and "the catalyst for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Now we are the agent of change".

The New York Times

The agent of disinformation.

The Guardian

The agent of that redemption is Jesus Christ.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The agent of this coziness was language.

The New York Times - Magazine

The department was the agent of governmental policy.

Britannica

The state was to be the agent of the community.

Britannica

They portray opposition as the agent of an alien power.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's got to be the agent of disarming.

The New York Times

And consider the agent of Mr Duncan's embarrassment this week.

The Guardian - Opinion

You might go and see the agent of the property.

The Guardian - Books

You have produced the agent of your own impending obsolescence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the agent of" to clearly and concisely identify what is directly responsible for causing an effect or change. For example, "Technology was the agent of significant societal change."

Common error

Avoid using "the agent of" when referring to indirect causes or influences. Ensure the subject truly initiates the action, rather than merely contributing to it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the agent of" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the entity or force that is directly responsible for causing a particular action, effect, or change. It serves to pinpoint the initiator or instrument behind a specific outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"The agent of" is a versatile phrase used to denote the direct cause or initiator of an action or effect. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and commonly used, spanning diverse contexts from news and media to scientific literature. While alternatives like "the cause of" or "the instrument of" exist, "the agent of" succinctly assigns agency. Remember to use it when indicating the direct instigator and avoid misattributing agency to indirect influences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the cause of

Focuses specifically on the reason or origin behind an event or situation.

the instrument of

Emphasizes the tool or mechanism used to carry out an action.

the means of

Highlights the method or resource used to achieve a particular outcome.

the vehicle for

Suggests a channel or medium through which something is conveyed or accomplished.

the driving force behind

Indicates the main impetus or energy that propels an action or change.

the catalyst for

Implies something that triggers or accelerates a reaction or process.

the originator of

Specifies the person or entity that initiated or created something.

the initiator of

Similar to 'originator', but can also refer to the start of a process or action.

the perpetrator of

Often used in negative contexts to denote someone who committed a harmful act.

responsible for

Indicates accountability or causality without necessarily implying direct action.

FAQs

How can I use "the agent of" in a sentence?

Use "the agent of" to indicate what is directly responsible for a particular action or outcome. For instance, "Innovation is "the agent of progress"."

What are some alternatives to "the agent of"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "the cause of", "the instrument of", or "the driving force behind".

Is it correct to use "the agent of" in both positive and negative contexts?

Yes, "the agent of" can be used in both positive and negative situations, depending on the action or outcome being described. For example, "Education can be the agent of social mobility", versus "Corruption is "the agent of instability"".

How does "the agent of" differ from "responsible for"?

"The agent of" typically implies direct causation or action, while "responsible for" can indicate accountability or a broader range of influences. "The new policy was the agent of change" suggests it directly caused changes, whereas "the government was responsible for the policy" indicates accountability.