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
When: November 7 Where: Smithfield Square Vibe: Even though the New York–Dublin portal shut down in September, Ireland glimpsed America’s fun (and online fervor) on behalf of our national heartthrob and decided to mimic it in honor of their own big brave strong boy.
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Michael Savio, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
Some staffers pretended to call on behalf of a depressed relative.
—Max Blau, ProPublica, 14 Nov. 2024
Trump also called for a swift diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, conveyed his opposition to fighting a war on Ukraine’s behalf, and mulled freezing or blocking a bid by Ukraine to enter NATO.
—Dan Caldwell, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2024
Amicus briefs have been filed on Fubo’s behalf by DirecTV and Dish Networks, as well as several politicians from both sides of the aisle.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
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Michael Savio, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
Some staffers pretended to call on behalf of a depressed relative.
—Max Blau, ProPublica, 14 Nov. 2024
Trump also called for a swift diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, conveyed his opposition to fighting a war on Ukraine’s behalf, and mulled freezing or blocking a bid by Ukraine to enter NATO.
—Dan Caldwell, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2024
Amicus briefs have been filed on Fubo’s behalf by DirecTV and Dish Networks, as well as several politicians from both sides of the aisle.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for behalf
Dictionary Entries Near behalf
Cite this Entry
“Behalf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behalf. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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