see also on behalf of
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
Former Vice President Al Gore accepted the award on behalf of the Redford family.
—
Kathleen Toner, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025
Residents not only recognized the importance of nonprofits but reported trusting them more than any other sector to act on the public’s behalf and deliver quality services.
—Nonprofit Institute, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Dec. 2025
The legal complaint filed on behalf of his children says that Reyes was believed to be in a mental health crisis, and a family member called 911 to get help, which led to the police involvement.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Dec. 2025
Their attorneys entered not guilty pleas on their behalf.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for behalf
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Kathleen Toner, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025
Residents not only recognized the importance of nonprofits but reported trusting them more than any other sector to act on the public’s behalf and deliver quality services.
—Nonprofit Institute, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Dec. 2025
The legal complaint filed on behalf of his children says that Reyes was believed to be in a mental health crisis, and a family member called 911 to get help, which led to the police involvement.
—Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Dec. 2025
Their attorneys entered not guilty pleas on their behalf.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 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 14 Dec. 2025.
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