On Behalf of vs. in Behalf of: Usage Guide
A body of opinion favors in with the "interest, benefit" sense of behalf and on with the "support, defense" sense. This distinction has been observed by some writers but overall has never had a sound basis in actual usage. In current British use, on behalf (of) has replaced in behalf (of); both are still used in American English, but the distinction is frequently not observed.
Examples of behalf in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jeff Metcalf attended the press conference, which quickly devolved into chaos after Dominique Alexander, head of the activist group Next Generation Action Network retained to speak on behalf of the Anthony family, criticized Metcalf's presence there at the outset of the event.
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Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Lawyer Jan-Kees van den Brink, who had represented Akkad in multiple legal cases, spoke to the newspaper about the perpetrator’s death on behalf of his mother, who hired him following the hostage situation.
—Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
In others, ballots were opened and ruling party officials voted on behalf of others with impunity.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 18 Apr. 2025
He's charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
—Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for behalf
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Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Lawyer Jan-Kees van den Brink, who had represented Akkad in multiple legal cases, spoke to the newspaper about the perpetrator’s death on behalf of his mother, who hired him following the hostage situation.
—Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
In others, ballots were opened and ruling party officials voted on behalf of others with impunity.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 18 Apr. 2025
He's charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
—Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for behalf
Cite this Entry
“Behalf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behalf. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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