work indirectly for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work indirectly for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which someone obtains employment or other services through an indirect connection, such as a reference from someone else, rather than directly from the employer or entity providing the services. For example: "She was able to get a job at the company after working indirectly for them through a family friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In all, the market employs about 7,000 people and creates work indirectly for another 26,000 as insurers, bankers, security guards and drivers.

The New York Times

In all, the market employs 8,000 people and creates work indirectly for 26,000 others as insurers, bankers, security guards and drivers.

The New York Times

Some of these people, who work indirectly for the banks through a web of contracting companies, have lengthy criminal records.

HuffPost

Hewlett-Packard requires every company in its supply chain to directly hire its own employees -- they can't work indirectly for a recruitment firm.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Private-school teachers are working indirectly for some of the wealthiest parents in the city.

The New York Times

A recent study found slum-dwellers working indirectly for well-known Indian firms, and even some multinationals.

The Economist

For Mr. Merkt's part, he says he suspects Mr. Shure, who was Gov. Jim Florio's press secretary, is working indirectly for Governor McGreevey.

The New York Times

"He was so much the company himself," said Richard Stursberg, who dealt with Mr. Rogers as a bureaucrat when the company moved into wireless, worked indirectly for Mr. Rogers in an ill-fated long-distance telephone venture and later headed the Canadian Cable Television Association.

The New York Times

Although Mr. Radwan almost certainly became a target because he was working indirectly for the American Army, the Army turned down a request to compensate his family for his death, Adel Hosni Radwan said.

The New York Times

Then Energy Secretary Steven Chu, who once worked indirectly for Brinkman at the fabled lab, contacted him last month and the 70-year-old physicist decided to make one more career move.

Science Magazine

According to a police report, the contractor, who was working indirectly for CoreLogic, a company based in Westlake, Texas, denied the allegations, even though his fingerprints were found on a can of beer left open on a counter in the home.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work indirectly for" to clearly indicate that someone's employment or service provision is mediated through another organization or individual, clarifying the nature of the professional relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "work indirectly for" when describing volunteer efforts. The phrase implies a contractual or employment-like relationship, even if mediated. Volunteering is generally unpaid and less formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work indirectly for" functions as a verb phrase indicating that an individual provides labor or services to an organization, but not as a direct employee. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct. The phrase specifies the nature of the working arrangement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "work indirectly for" accurately describes a working relationship mediated through a third party. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, it's important to use it appropriately to avoid confusion about employment status. As the phrase is more common in News & Media, it can be considered a neutral phrase. When clarity is needed regarding a mediated work connection, this phrase serves well, differentiating it from direct employment or volunteer work. Alternatives such as "be indirectly employed by" or "provide services indirectly to" can also be considered depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be indirectly employed by

Focuses on the state of being employed through an intermediary.

provide services indirectly to

Emphasizes the delivery of services via a secondary party.

work through a third party for

Highlights the use of an intermediary in the work arrangement.

be subcontracted to

Specifically indicates a subcontracting arrangement.

consult for via an agency

Describes consulting services provided through an agency.

have an indirect association with

Broadly refers to an indirect connection, not necessarily employment.

support the work of through another entity

Focuses on supporting an entity's work through another organization.

be affiliated with through a partnership

Highlights an affiliation established through a partnership.

work at arm's length for

Indicates a distant or independent working relationship.

be loosely connected to

Suggests a weak or tenuous connection.

FAQs

How can I use "work indirectly for" in a sentence?

You can use "work indirectly for" to describe situations where someone is employed or provides services through a third party. For instance, "The contractor "worked indirectly for" the bank through a subcontracting company".

What is a good alternative to "work indirectly for"?

Alternatives to "work indirectly for" include "be indirectly employed by", or "provide services indirectly to", depending on the context.

What does it mean to "work indirectly for" a company?

To "work indirectly for" a company means that you are providing services to that company, but your employment or contractual relationship is with another organization that then subcontracts or assigns you to the company in question.

Is it different to "work indirectly for" someone instead of directly?

Yes, it is different. "Working directly" implies you are an employee or contractor of the entity in question, while "working indirectly" means you are affiliated through an intermediary, like an agency or subcontractor.