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
On Saturday, the Pepsi Philly Eats Fest wrapped up with hip-hop duo Clipse (who, as a collective, have arguably been having the best musical year ever) announcing a $150,000 donation on behalf of Pepsi to support 15 local Philadelphia restaurants.
—
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Oct. 2025
Iran reportedly executed six prisoners Saturday who the regime claimed carried out deadly attacks in the country’s oil-rich southwest on behalf of Israel, marking the latest surge in executions that rights groups say have reached levels unseen in decades.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Judge Subramanian allowed five of Combs’ attorneys to argue for a lenient sentence on his behalf in addition to the character witness statements.
—Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
While Variety was unable to view the documents, the BBC reports that the claim was filed in London on behalf of Young and Sony Music Publishing on Wednesday, and that the credit dispute has been going on for months.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025
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Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Oct. 2025
Iran reportedly executed six prisoners Saturday who the regime claimed carried out deadly attacks in the country’s oil-rich southwest on behalf of Israel, marking the latest surge in executions that rights groups say have reached levels unseen in decades.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Judge Subramanian allowed five of Combs’ attorneys to argue for a lenient sentence on his behalf in addition to the character witness statements.
—Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
While Variety was unable to view the documents, the BBC reports that the claim was filed in London on behalf of Young and Sony Music Publishing on Wednesday, and that the credit dispute has been going on for months.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for behalf
Cite this Entry
“Behalf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behalf. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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