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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
Speaking on behalf of hundreds of thousands of filmmakers worldwide.
—
Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Feb. 2026
Speakers from both sides agreed that Hargraves held an uncommon ability to cooperate across party lines and work on behalf of residents.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2026
Lawnmower parents frequently communicate with teachers or other figures of authority on their children's behalf instead of allowing their children to advocate for themselves, or take responsibility for their own actions.
—Jazmin Towe, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
Zimmerman also argued that the trial attorneys failed to hire experts to testify on Serafini’s behalf in the trial, and that Dratman did not provide much of a defense in his closing argument.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026
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Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Feb. 2026
Speakers from both sides agreed that Hargraves held an uncommon ability to cooperate across party lines and work on behalf of residents.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2026
Lawnmower parents frequently communicate with teachers or other figures of authority on their children's behalf instead of allowing their children to advocate for themselves, or take responsibility for their own actions.
—Jazmin Towe, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
Zimmerman also argued that the trial attorneys failed to hire experts to testify on Serafini’s behalf in the trial, and that Dratman did not provide much of a defense in his closing argument.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 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 Mar. 2026.
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