What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
middleman
Example
The middleman helped negotiate the terms of the contract between the buyer and seller. [middleman: noun]
Example
The middleman added a markup to the price of the product before selling it to the retailer. [middleman: noun]
agent
Example
The real estate agent helped the client find their dream home. [agent: noun]
Example
The talent agent negotiated a lucrative contract for the actor. [agent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Agent is more commonly used than middleman in everyday language. Agent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while middleman is less common and refers to a specific type of intermediary role.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between middleman and agent?
Both middleman and agent can be used in formal and informal contexts, but agent is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
