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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
After returning to the United States, investigators say O’Rourke continued the alleged scam by encouraging friends and family members to organize additional fundraising events on her behalf.
—
Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
The state treasurer manages the state’s Pooled Money Investment Account, which invests monies on behalf of state government and local jurisdictions and allocates state bond financing for projects related to education, infrastructure, the environment or affordable housing.
—Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Missouri Attorney General’s lawsuit The City Council’s vote came as the Missouri Attorney General’s Office is suing the city on behalf of a group of Christian counselors.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2026
Before this year’s tournament, Valerie Camillio, the new chair at the WTA, the women’s tour, met with Mauresmo to lobby on behalf of female players to get the nighttime assignment, though not all the players will be pleased by that.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for behalf
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Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
The state treasurer manages the state’s Pooled Money Investment Account, which invests monies on behalf of state government and local jurisdictions and allocates state bond financing for projects related to education, infrastructure, the environment or affordable housing.
—Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Missouri Attorney General’s lawsuit The City Council’s vote came as the Missouri Attorney General’s Office is suing the city on behalf of a group of Christian counselors.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2026
Before this year’s tournament, Valerie Camillio, the new chair at the WTA, the women’s tour, met with Mauresmo to lobby on behalf of female players to get the nighttime assignment, though not all the players will be pleased by that.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 May 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 4 Jun. 2026.
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