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
Backlash: Tesla removed from Vancouver International Auto Show due to safety concerns
The White House defended its efforts on behalf of Musk and his company and hit back at Tesla critics like Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic nominee for vice president.
—
Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2025
Also targeted for deportation: people who are not the beneficiaries of an immigration-benefit request filed by someone else on their behalf.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
Additionally, a financial interest may exist when an account is held by a nominee or agent who is acting on behalf of a U.S. person.
—Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.d., Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Chutkan's order prevents the EPA from ending the $20 billion grant program and also blocks Citibank, which holds the money on behalf of the EPA, from transferring it to the government or anyone else.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for behalf
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2025
Also targeted for deportation: people who are not the beneficiaries of an immigration-benefit request filed by someone else on their behalf.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2025
Additionally, a financial interest may exist when an account is held by a nominee or agent who is acting on behalf of a U.S. person.
—Virginia La Torre Jeker, J.d., Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Chutkan's order prevents the EPA from ending the $20 billion grant program and also blocks Citibank, which holds the money on behalf of the EPA, from transferring it to the government or anyone else.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 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 31 Mar. 2025.
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