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
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024
Khanna stumped in the state on behalf of an independent write-in campaign when Biden was prohibited by party rules from appearing on the ballot.
—USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2024
More than a third (36%) of women don’t feel financially stable, according to a new survey of around 2,000 women by Qualtrics on behalf of personal finance company Credit Karma.
—Chloe Berger, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024
As an attorney in private practice, Bernhardt had sued the government on behalf of the giant Westlands Water District to challenge its enforcement of the Endangered Species Act, which conflicted with Westlands’ interests.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2024
The agency’s interventions on behalf of workers have also risen sharply; according to one analysis, the N.L.R.B. ordered companies to reinstate more workers who had been illegally fired during Biden’s first year in office than during Trump’s entire Presidency.
—Eyal Press, The New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2024
Courtney Thom is an attorney with Manly, Stewart, and Finaldi, the liaison counsel on behalf of former juvenile detainees.
—Linsey Davis, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2024
In November, Hiram Jackson and Dennis Archer Jr. were appointed as special directors to oversee the expansion project on behalf of the city.
—Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 18 Apr. 2024
Tenants, however, can also submit the notice to whoever collects rent or manages the property on behalf of the landlord, such as a building manager or property manager.
—Gina Lee Castro, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'behalf.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near behalf
Cite this Entry
“Behalf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behalf. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
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