What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
agent
Example
The real estate agent helped us find our dream home. [agent: noun]
Example
The cleaning agent removed the stubborn stain from the carpet. [agent: noun]
Example
The medication works by blocking certain agents in the body. [agents: plural noun]
representative
Example
The union representative negotiated better working conditions for the employees. [representative: noun]
Example
The company sent a representative to the trade show to showcase their products. [representative: noun]
Example
This survey is based on a representative sample of the population. [representative: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Representative is more commonly used than agent in everyday language. Representative is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while agent is more specialized and may be less familiar to ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between agent and representative?
Both agent and representative can be used in formal and informal contexts, but agent may be more associated with legal or professional settings, while representative may be more associated with business or political settings.
