at your behest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at your behest" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that something is being done because someone has requested or demanded it. For example, "The project was completed at your behest."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ensure that others have the floor at your behest, and at the same time keep a sense of overarching authority and contagious enthusiasm in order to maintain the students' cooperation.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

She was there to make sure that you're not terminating your pregnancy at the behest of an abusive man.

Vice

Imagine choosing a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to settle in a new land at behest of your King and country in order to marry and mother in the New World.

Huffington Post

And yet there you were, John McCain, flying to Washington from your Arizona convalescence at the behest of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, voting to open debate on a bill to eviscerate Obamacare.

Huffington Post

Seven FIFA executives were arrested at the United States' behest at a luxury Zurich hotel.

The Guardian - Sport

At the behest of then-Gov.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Sports

Anti-government journalists continue to be sacked at his behest.

The Economist

She came here at the behest of the James Joyce Society.

The New Yorker

At their behest, regulators and lawmakers blocked the idea.

The New York Times

At his behest, she began negotiating with abutting property owners.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at your behest" in formal contexts when you want to emphasize that an action was taken specifically because someone requested or ordered it. For example, "The investigation was launched at your behest after the initial report was filed."

Common error

Avoid using "at your behest" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "at your request" or "because you asked" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

"At your behest" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the cause or reason for an action. It modifies a verb or verb phrase, specifying that the action occurred due to someone's request or command. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at your behest" is a formal way to express that something was done because someone requested or ordered it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for formal contexts. While not as common as alternatives like "at your request", it effectively conveys a sense of formality and direct instruction. It's important to consider the audience and context when using this phrase, as it may sound overly formal in casual settings. The phrase appears primarily in news and media, encyclopedias and wiki.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at your request

A more common and slightly less formal way of saying the same thing.

per your instructions

Common in formal or business settings.

at your direction

Focuses on the guidance provided rather than the request itself.

on your orders

More direct and often used in military or hierarchical contexts.

as instructed by you

A slightly more explanatory and less concise alternative.

at your command

Implies a higher degree of authority or control.

at your bidding

A more archaic and dramatic way of saying the same thing.

as you wish

A more submissive or obliging expression.

following your lead

Implies guidance and following an example, not necessarily a direct order.

because you asked

A more casual and direct way of expressing the reason for action.

FAQs

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

You can use "at your behest" to indicate that something was done because someone requested or ordered it. For example: "The project was initiated at your behest", or "The changes were implemented at your behest".

What's a less formal way to say "at your behest"?

Less formal alternatives to "at your behest" include phrases like "at your request", "because you asked", or "as you instructed".

Is it appropriate to use "at your behest" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "at your behest" is generally more appropriate for formal or professional contexts. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives are often preferred.

What is the difference between "at your behest" and "at your request"?

"At your behest" is a more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "at your request". The latter is more commonly used in modern English.