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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
Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
The open air screening for some 4,500 spectators will kick-off a summer preview tour across Italy for the film ahead of an August 26 release by 01 Distribution on behalf of Minerva Pictures with Rai Cinema.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 June 2026
The new agentic experience, that acts autonomously on the user’s behalf, is expected to be restricted to the most recent Samsung and Google phones.
—Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
The basic idea is an AI system that can handle long and complex tasks on your behalf like an advanced digital assistant.
—Arjun Kharpal,kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for behalf
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Noun
Scott Wagers, a recipient of 10 Little Caesars pizzas that were given out on behalf of CHAM Deliverance Ministry, a local charity that feeds the homeless, recalled being shocked that the athlete showed up to deliver the food himself.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
The open air screening for some 4,500 spectators will kick-off a summer preview tour across Italy for the film ahead of an August 26 release by 01 Distribution on behalf of Minerva Pictures with Rai Cinema.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 June 2026
The new agentic experience, that acts autonomously on the user’s behalf, is expected to be restricted to the most recent Samsung and Google phones.
—Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
The basic idea is an AI system that can handle long and complex tasks on your behalf like an advanced digital assistant.
—Arjun Kharpal,kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 12 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 19 Jun. 2026.
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