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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.
Examples of behalf in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In spite of their original values of humanitarianism and neutrality, these organizations have been morally debased from within, using the language of human rights and international justice yet deploying it on behalf of autocracies and against the liberal democracies that created them.
—
Simon Sebag Montefiore,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
The lawsuit was filed in Jackson County Circuit Court on Thursday on behalf of Abby Grizzell, of Lee’s Summit, who attorneys said was bowled over and trampled by a group of youths on June 6.
—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2026
The Lebanese government had been wary of having Iran negotiate on its behalf, and Lebanon launched its own direct negotiations with Israel after the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war.
—
Ben Finley,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
This will allow the model to take over your device and perform actions on your behalf.
—
Paul Monckton,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for behalf
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Simon Sebag Montefiore,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
The lawsuit was filed in Jackson County Circuit Court on Thursday on behalf of Abby Grizzell, of Lee’s Summit, who attorneys said was bowled over and trampled by a group of youths on June 6.
—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
27 June 2026
The Lebanese government had been wary of having Iran negotiate on its behalf, and Lebanon launched its own direct negotiations with Israel after the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war.
—
Ben Finley,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2026
This will allow the model to take over your device and perform actions on your behalf.
—
Paul Monckton,
Forbes.com,
27 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 1 Jul. 2026.
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