On my behalf

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "On my behalf" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is acting or speaking for another person. Example: "Please sign the document on my behalf since I am unable to attend the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I had my plus-one go back to get more on my behalf," they intoned.

The New Yorker

It was ignorance on my behalf.

Independent

And then on my behalf.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Resolutions were being passed on my behalf.

The New York Times - Magazine

He went to Putin on my behalf".

The Guardian

Then he began approaching various chiefs on my behalf.

The New Yorker

Prayer meetings were being held on my behalf.

The Guardian

"It was a little stupid on my behalf," admitted Huszti.

The Guardian - Sport

MY trusted friends were irate on my behalf.

The New York Times

"There's no doubt at all on my behalf," Lynam said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Yesterday was a mistake on my behalf," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on my behalf" when you want to clearly indicate that someone is acting as your representative or with your permission. This clarifies that their actions are sanctioned by you and should be attributed to you.

Common error

Avoid using "on my behalf" when referring to your own actions. The phrase is specifically for situations where another person is acting for you, not when you are acting for yourself. For example, instead of saying "I signed the document on my behalf", say "I signed the document".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on my behalf" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier. It indicates that an action is being performed by someone else as a representative or with the authorization of the speaker. Ludwig confirms its proper use, with examples showing various contexts where someone acts or speaks for another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on my behalf" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates someone is acting as your representative or with your permission. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media. To ensure correct usage, remember that it is specifically for situations where another person is acting for you, and not when you are acting for yourself. Alternatives such as "in my name" or "for me" can be used depending on the context, but "on my behalf" provides a clear indication of delegated action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In my name

Emphasizes authorization and representation, suggesting the action is formally attributed to the speaker.

For me

Direct and simple, suitable for informal contexts; indicates benefit or action intended for the speaker.

As my representative

Highlights the role of the person acting, stressing their delegated authority.

Acting on my account

Focuses on the responsibility and justification for the action taken by another.

By proxy

Formal and legalistic, typically used when someone is officially authorized to act in place of another.

In my stead

Suggests substitution, indicating that someone is filling in for the speaker.

On my side

Implies support and advocacy, where someone is championing the speaker's cause.

For my sake

Emphasizes motivation, indicating that the action is done out of concern or consideration for the speaker.

At my request

Highlights that the action was initiated by the speaker, placing responsibility on them.

With my authorization

Explicitly states that the action has been approved and permitted by the speaker.

FAQs

How can I use "on my behalf" in a sentence?

Use "on my behalf" to indicate that someone is acting as your representative or with your permission. For example, "My lawyer will accept the award "on my behalf" since I cannot attend the ceremony".

What's the difference between "on my behalf" and "for me"?

"On my behalf" implies representation or authorization, while "for me" simply indicates benefit or action intended for you. Saying "They spoke "on my behalf"" means they were authorized to represent you. "They did it for me" means they did something that benefits you.

What are some alternatives to "on my behalf"?

You can use alternatives like "in my name", "as my representative", or "by proxy" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'I acted on my behalf'?

No, it is not correct. "On my behalf" indicates someone else acting for you. If you are acting yourself, simply state the action without using ""on my behalf"". For instance, "I signed the document".