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
But a small number are involved in espionage or other activities on behalf of the [Chinese Communist Party].
—
Ashish Valentine, NPR, 29 June 2025
The Maryland Family Institute filed an amicus brief in this case on behalf of concerned families across our state and nation.
—Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
There have been reports of mass arrests and even executions of those accused of espionage on behalf of Israel.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
The lawyers who brought the case on behalf of residents of Encanto and southeastern San Diego said the city has three years to show measurable progress toward spreading at least 70% of affordable-housing projects across the city.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2025
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Ashish Valentine, NPR, 29 June 2025
The Maryland Family Institute filed an amicus brief in this case on behalf of concerned families across our state and nation.
—Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2025
There have been reports of mass arrests and even executions of those accused of espionage on behalf of Israel.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
The lawyers who brought the case on behalf of residents of Encanto and southeastern San Diego said the city has three years to show measurable progress toward spreading at least 70% of affordable-housing projects across the city.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 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 4 Jul. 2025.
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