at whose behest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at whose behest" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to refer to something that was done at the request of someone else. For example: "John built the bridge at the behest of his boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This is at whose behest the Conservatives serve.

The Guardian - Opinion

Congressman Ted Deutch, at whose behest the students had visited Washington, said "Never again can we fail to take action".

The New Yorker

In an article in the Mail on Sunday he said that, when asked at whose behest the dossier was "sexed up", his source responded: "Campbell .Alastair Campbell demanded an apology.

The Economist

Peggy Siegal, the celebrity publicist at whose behest the likes of Fonda and Schwimmer had shown up, was feverishly executing changes to the seating plan even as guests were starting their entrées.

The New Yorker

Aryeh Neier, the president of the Soros Foundations (at whose behest Cuny had gone to Chechnya), recalled how in trying to compose a press release immediately after CunyOs disappearance, he'd hit upon the phrase "a mountain of a man".

The New Yorker

In the latter he introduces her to the resident deity, the Sugar Plum Fairy, at whose behest a kaleidoscope of different dances, representing different sweets and different foreign countries at the same time, is performed for the two heroic child visitors.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

She plays the wife of a celebrated Ghazal singer, played by Amar Singh, on whose behest she was offered the part.

Wikipedia

But at whose expense?

The New York Times - Books

Yes, at whose funeral?

Independent

But at whose home?

The New Yorker

If the state legislature passes laws that promulgate the regulations, the details will actually be written by the California Air Resources Board, whose members serve at the behest of the governor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at whose behest" when you want to emphasize that an action was carried out at the explicit request or command of a specific person or entity. It adds a formal and slightly elevated tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at whose behest" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound out of place in less serious contexts. Choose a simpler alternative like "who asked for it" or "who suggested it" for everyday language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at whose behest" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the person or entity at whose request or command an action was performed. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at whose behest" is a formal prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action was performed at the request or command of someone. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias and wiki sources. When using this phrase, consider the formality of your writing and choose a simpler alternative for casual communication. Remember that this phrase is designed for more professional and formal use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at whose direction

Replaces "behest" with "direction", focusing on guidance rather than a formal request.

at whose command

Emphasizes authority and order, suggesting a more direct and potentially forceful instruction.

on whose authority

Shifts focus to the legitimacy or power behind the action or decision.

at whose instigation

Highlights the act of initiating or urging something to happen.

at whose urging

Implies a persuasive encouragement rather than a strict order.

at whose request

A more neutral and general way of saying something was done because someone asked for it.

under whose orders

Focuses on the chain of command and responsibility for actions.

under whose instruction

Specifies that actions were carried out following someone's guidance or teaching.

by whose authorization

Highlights the formal permission or approval required for an action.

upon whose recommendation

Suggests that an action was taken based on someone's advice or endorsement.

FAQs

How do I use "at whose behest" in a sentence?

Use "at whose behest" to indicate that an action was performed at someone's request or order. For example, "The investigation was launched "at whose behest" of the senator."

What is a simpler alternative to "at whose behest"?

If you want to convey a similar meaning in a less formal way, you can use phrases like "who asked for it", "who requested it", or "on whose orders".

Is "at whose behest" appropriate for informal communication?

No, "at whose behest" is best suited for formal or professional contexts. It may sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "at whose behest" and "on whose authority"?

"At whose behest" implies a direct request or command, while "on whose authority" suggests that an action was taken because someone had the power or right to authorize it. "On whose authority" is more about legitimacy than a simple request.