the intermediary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the 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 in various contexts, such as business, negotiations, or communication. Example: "In the negotiation process, the intermediary played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the two companies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I was the intermediary," he said.

The New Yorker

Both declined to identify the intermediary.

The New York Times

"Call off the dogs," the intermediary said.

The New Yorker

"What is disappearing are the intermediary institutions.

The New York Times - Arts

It skips all the intermediary steps.

The Guardian - Music

Greece is doing the intermediary work.

The New York Times

Neither side would identify the intermediary.

The New York Times

"It means being the intermediary of the club.

The Guardian

The intermediary was apparently able to relay messages from Padnos.

The New Yorker

"It's becoming the intermediary for international travel," he said.

The New York Times

But the intermediary insists – "Nicholas, we're at war.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose "the intermediary" when you want to emphasize a neutral role in facilitating communication or agreements. Be mindful of potential connotations related to power or control.

Common error

Avoid using "the intermediary" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "mediator", "facilitator", or "go-between" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the intermediary" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific entity acting as a mediator or facilitator between different parties. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the intermediary" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that identifies an entity acting as a go-between or facilitator. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans diverse contexts from news and media to scientific and encyclopedic writings, reflecting a primarily neutral and professional register. While "the intermediary" is quite common, varying your vocabulary with alternatives such as "the mediator", "the facilitator", or "the broker" can enhance your writing's clarity and engagement. Ensure clear context when using this phrase to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the mediator

Replaces "intermediary" with a more common and direct synonym.

the go-between

Offers a more informal and easily understood alternative.

the facilitator

Emphasizes the role of enabling or easing a process or interaction.

the broker

Highlights the role of arranging agreements or transactions, often in a business context.

the agent

Focuses on representing or acting on behalf of another party.

the middleman

Suggests a position in a supply chain or negotiation.

the liaison

Implies a formal connection or communication channel.

the negotiator

Highlights the role of discussing and bargaining to reach an agreement.

the interceder

Emphasizes pleading or advocating on behalf of another.

the vehicle

Shifts the focus to the method or tool used for communication or transfer.

FAQs

What does "the intermediary" mean?

The phrase "the intermediary" refers to a person or entity that acts as a mediator, facilitator, or go-between between two or more parties. They help to facilitate communication, negotiate agreements, or resolve disputes.

What can I say instead of "the intermediary"?

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

How to use "the intermediary" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The United Nations is serving as "the intermediary" between Israel and Hezbollah." This shows how the UN is acting as a neutral party to facilitate communication.

What is the difference between "the intermediary" and "the intermediate"?

"The intermediary" refers to someone who mediates, while "the intermediate" describes something that lies between two extremes or stages. For example, the intermediary facilitates communication, while an intermediate step is one of several between start and finish. Use of the former when you should use the latter is wrong.