act as a spokesperson

Meaning

This phrase means to speak or make official statements on behalf of a group, organization, or another person. It implies a level of responsibility where the speaker represents the collective voice, opinions, or decisions of others, often in formal or public settings.

Examples

• The class representative was chosen to act as a spokesperson during the meeting with the dean.

  The class representative was chosen to act as a spokesperson during the meeting with the dean.

• She was asked to act as a spokesperson for the charity during the local news broadcast.

  She was asked to act as a spokesperson for the charity during the local news broadcast.

• In times of crisis, the public relations manager will act as a spokesperson for the company.

  In times of crisis, the public relations manager will act as a spokesperson for the company.

• He agreed to act as a spokesperson for the tenants' association to address the landlord's new policies.

  He agreed to act as a spokesperson for the tenants' association to address the landlord's new policies.

• It is crucial to have someone who can act as a spokesperson and deliver a clear, unified message.

  It is crucial to have someone who can act as a spokesperson and deliver a clear, unified message.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She was appointed to act as spokesperson of the committee.

  ✓ She was appointed to act as a spokesperson for the committee.

  Use the preposition 'for' to indicate the group being represented, and include the article 'a'.

• ✗ He acts like a spokesperson for our group.

  ✓ He acts as a spokesperson for our group.

  'Act as' means to perform the role of, whereas 'act like' means to behave in a similar manner to someone else.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The board selected Julia to ___ for the entire department.

  💡 Speak officially on behalf of the department.

  Show answer

  act as a spokesperson

• It's hard to ___ when you don't fully agree with the group's decisions.

  💡 Represent and voice the group's opinions.

  Show answer

  act as a spokesperson