In the name of

USAGE SUMMARY

"In the name of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce an action, often used in more formal or religious contexts. Example sentence: "In the name of God, I solemnly swear to tell the truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, the killing was done "in the name of science," or "in the name of animal welfare" or "in the name of breeding programs".

Huffington Post

In the name of "honest journalism"?

The New Yorker

In the name of God, Amen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the name of Palestinians?

The Guardian - Opinion

In the name of Allah," in French.

The Guardian

In the name of the father . . .

The New Yorker

In the name of unknowable mystery?

The Guardian - Opinion

In the name of academic freedom?

The Guardian

In the Name of Love" from 1964 to 1967.

The New York Times

In the name of God, go".

The Guardian

In the name of Islam.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In the name of" to convey a sense of authority, justification, or purpose, especially in formal or rhetorical contexts. Ensure that the entity you are invoking carries weight and relevance to the action being described.

Common error

Avoid using "In the name of" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for more natural phrasing unless you're aiming for a specific stylistic effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In the name of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, introducing the reason, authority, or justification behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In the name of" is a prepositional phrase used to invoke authority, justification, or purpose, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and is generally considered grammatically correct. While versatile, it is best suited for formal or rhetorical situations rather than casual conversation. Related phrases include "on behalf of" and "by the authority of", each offering a slightly different nuance. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its application across diverse domains, reinforcing its status as a widely recognized and understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

On behalf of

Indicates acting as a representative or agent for someone else.

By the authority of

Highlights the power or permission under which an action is taken.

For the sake of

Emphasizes the purpose or benefit motivating an action.

In the interest of

Focuses on actions taken to serve a particular cause or group.

Under the banner of

Suggests alignment with a specific ideology or movement.

By virtue of

Indicates that something is done due to a specific right or power.

As an emissary of

Highlights the role of someone sent as a messenger or representative.

Representing

Focuses on acting as a spokesperson or advocate.

With the endorsement of

Shows formal approval or support from an authority.

Sanctioned by

Implies official permission or approval for an action.

FAQs

How can I use "In the name of" in a sentence?

Use "In the name of" to introduce the reason or authority behind an action, such as "In the name of justice, we demand a fair trial" or "In the name of the law, you are under arrest".

What are some alternatives to "In the name of"?

You can use alternatives like "on behalf of", "by the authority of", or "for the sake of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "In the name of" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, using "In the name of" in everyday conversation may sound overly formal or theatrical. Consider the context and audience to determine if a more casual phrase would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "In the name of" and "on behalf of"?

"In the name of" often implies authority, justification, or a higher purpose, while "on behalf of" simply means acting as a representative or agent for someone else.