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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
The Ebony Alert was issued on behalf of the Alameda County Sheriff's Office.
—
Jose Fabian, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Jost, who also submitted comments to the MPCA on her own behalf, noted that major flooding could someday spread hazardous waste that is buried dozens of feet down, and the site could eventually pose a threat to slope stability.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
Paul Thomas Anderson was not present to accept the prize, so Shayna McHayle, one of his castmembers, accepted on his behalf with a prepared statement from the writer-director.
—Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 8 Mar. 2026
In addition to a long music career, McDonald remained politically active, advocating on behalf of saving the whales and helping Vietnam War veterans.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behalf
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Jose Fabian, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Jost, who also submitted comments to the MPCA on her own behalf, noted that major flooding could someday spread hazardous waste that is buried dozens of feet down, and the site could eventually pose a threat to slope stability.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
Paul Thomas Anderson was not present to accept the prize, so Shayna McHayle, one of his castmembers, accepted on his behalf with a prepared statement from the writer-director.
—Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 8 Mar. 2026
In addition to a long music career, McDonald remained politically active, advocating on behalf of saving the whales and helping Vietnam War veterans.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 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 12 Mar. 2026.
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