at the behest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the behest" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is done at someone's request or command. Example: "The project was initiated at the behest of the board members who wanted to see immediate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the behest of then-Gov.

The New York Times

"Clearly, I work at the behest of the players.

The New York Times - Sports

TMZ posted the video at the behest of Carter's family.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Wallenberg was working at the behest of Washington, which paid his expenses.

The New York Times

Too often, the report noted, security forces served at the behest of powerful interests.

The New York Times

Until now, owners have avoided speaking publicly about negotiations at the behest of Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The New York Times - Sports

At the behest of Henry, the bishop of Bamberg was elected as Clement II (1046 47).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus in The Judgment a son unquestioningly commits suicide at the behest of his aged father.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This year, the Pentagon, at the behest of Congress, reviewed its Medal of Honor (M.O.H).

The New York Times

Ms. Smith performs here at the behest of France Inter, the French public radio channel.

The New York Times - Arts

This is not at the behest of the regime, as happened in Deng Xiaoping's China.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing between "at the behest" and its alternatives. "At the request of" might be more appropriate for informal settings, while "at the command of" is suitable when highlighting authority.

Common error

Avoid using "at the behest" in casual or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place and overly sophisticated in everyday conversation or informal correspondence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the behest" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the reason or cause behind an action, specifying that something was done because someone requested or ordered it. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the behest" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates an action was performed at someone's request or command. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, predominantly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. While it is a formal expression, making it suitable for academic and professional writing, alternatives like "at the request of" may be preferred in informal settings. Be mindful of the tone to ensure it aligns with the context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the request of

Replaces "behest" with a more common and straightforward term; less formal.

at the command of

Emphasizes authority and direct order, implying a higher level of power.

on the instructions of

Focuses on the specific directions given by someone in authority.

upon the urging of

Suggests persuasion or encouragement rather than a direct order.

at the direction of

Highlights the guiding influence of someone's instructions.

as instructed by

Simplifies the phrase to a more easily understood form.

under the orders of

Implies a formal chain of command and strict adherence to instructions.

by order of

A concise and formal way to indicate that something is done under authority.

at the bidding of

Suggests compliance and willingness to fulfill someone's desires.

on behalf of

Expresses acting in someone's interest or as their representative, less direct.

FAQs

How can I use "at the behest" in a sentence?

You can use "at the behest" to indicate that an action was performed because someone requested or ordered it. For example, "The investigation was reopened "at the behest of" the victim's family."

What are some alternatives to "at the behest"?

Some alternatives include "at the request of", "at the command of", "on the instructions of", or "upon the urging of", depending on the context.

Is "at the behest" formal or informal?

"At the behest" is considered a formal phrase. It's best suited for academic, professional, or otherwise formal writing.

What's the difference between "at the behest of" and "on behalf of"?

"At the behest of" indicates that an action was performed because someone requested or ordered it. "On behalf of" means acting as a representative or in the interest of someone.