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
In response to the report, CAA Football released a statement on behalf of Sarkisian's agents, Jimmy Sexton and Ed Marynowitz, to deny the claims that Sarkisian was looking for opportunities in the league.
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Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
The Feather Alert was issued on behalf of the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and is in effect for Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado and Sutter counties.
—Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Last week, a lawsuit was filed in state court on behalf of the 9-year-old daughter of Jeremy Moore.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
The president and his surrogates have been waging an all-out public relations campaign on behalf of the administration’s favored trade tool.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for behalf
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Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
The Feather Alert was issued on behalf of the Placer County Sheriff’s Office and is in effect for Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado and Sutter counties.
—Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Last week, a lawsuit was filed in state court on behalf of the 9-year-old daughter of Jeremy Moore.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
The president and his surrogates have been waging an all-out public relations campaign on behalf of the administration’s favored trade tool.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2025.
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