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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.
on behalf of
2 of 2phrase
variants
or on someone's behalf
1
also US in behalf of someone
or in someone's behalf
: as a representative of someone
The teacher accepted the award on behalf of the class. = The teacher accepted the award on the class's behalf.
2
also US in behalf of someone
or in someone's behalf
: for the benefit of someone : in support of someone
She spoke in behalf of the other candidate.
They're willing to do anything on their child's behalf.
3
: because of someone : to please someone
Don't get up on my behalf.
Examples of behalf in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
One month after Kyle died at age 41 from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis, his wife, 40, shared an emotional tribute on behalf of herself and their kids — son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, 4 — on Sunday, June 21.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
Embassies are working on behalf of their citizens to get the Cambodian government to waive the overstay fines, but the process is slow.
—Shibani Mahtani, NPR, 21 June 2026
Todd volunteered on behalf of her job as a team member trainer at the Target Distribution Center in Woodland.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for behalf
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Noun
Two wars in as many years with Israel — both launched on other’s behalf but with outsized consequences borne here — have resulted in thousands of dead, a million-plus displacement crisis and the leveling and occupation of wide swaths of the country.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
One month after Kyle died at age 41 from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis, his wife, 40, shared an emotional tribute on behalf of herself and their kids — son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, 4 — on Sunday, June 21.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
Embassies are working on behalf of their citizens to get the Cambodian government to waive the overstay fines, but the process is slow.
—Shibani Mahtani, NPR, 21 June 2026
Todd volunteered on behalf of her job as a team member trainer at the Target Distribution Center in Woodland.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for behalf
Cite this Entry
“Behalf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behalf. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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