behalf of

USAGE SUMMARY

"behalf of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is acting or speaking on behalf of someone else, or to express support for someone or something. Here are some examples: 1. "I am writing on behalf of my client to request a refund for the faulty product." (in this sentence, "behalf of" is used to indicate that the speaker is speaking and acting for their client) 2. "On behalf of the entire team, I would like to congratulate you on your promotion." (here, "behalf of" is used to express the support and congratulations of the entire team) 3. "The organization is raising funds on behalf of children affected by the natural disaster." (in this example, "behalf of" is used to show that the organization is advocating and working for the children) 4. "I would like to thank you on behalf of my family for your kind words at the funeral." (here, "behalf of" is used to express gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the speaker's family) Overall, "behalf of" is a useful phrase for expressing that someone is representing or supporting someone else or a cause.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On behalf of his daughter, he sued.

The New York Times - Style

"on behalf of the Bolivian people".

The New York Times

He acquires properties on behalf of investors.

The New York Times

Rochdale typically trades on behalf of clients.

The New York Times

We deëmphasized becoming on behalf of being.

The New Yorker

On behalf of Robyn.

Columbia University

Ephraim Poloner, On behalf of the Ann Harris Family.

The New York Times

Published by ElsevieiLtd on behalf of COSPAR.

Advances in Space Research

Forwarded on behalf of Halvor.

Columbia University

On behalf of the Board.

The New York Times

On behalf of 16 signatories.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behalf of" when you are acting as a representative or advocate for someone else. Ensure clarity by specifying exactly who or what you are representing.

Common error

Avoid using "behalf of" if you are only expressing personal support or agreement. Instead, use phrases like "in my opinion" or "I support" to clarify that you are not speaking for someone else.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behalf of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate representation or agency. It signifies that an action is performed or a statement is made as a representative of someone else. This is consistent with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "behalf of" is a very common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that someone is acting as a representative or advocate for another party. Ludwig AI's analysis of various sources demonstrates its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, science, academia, and business. When writing, ensure that you are genuinely representing someone else and clarify who or what you are representing. Common alternatives include "in the interest of" and "as a representative of", but the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. By following these guidelines, you can use "behalf of" effectively and avoid common errors such as misinterpreting the scope of representation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As a representative of

Indicates acting in an official capacity for an organization or group.

Acting for

A straightforward alternative emphasizing the action of representing someone.

Representing

A more concise way of indicating that someone is acting for another.

In the interest of

Focuses on acting to benefit someone or something, emphasizing their advantage.

As an agent for

Highlights the role of acting as an intermediary or representative.

On the part of

Highlights the actions taken by a particular person or group.

For the sake of

Emphasizes the reason or purpose behind an action, often implying a sacrifice.

In place of

Suggests substituting for someone who is unable to act themselves.

For

A shorter, less formal way to indicate acting in someone's interest.

On account of

Emphasizes the reason or justification for an action, similar to "for the sake of".

FAQs

How do I use "behalf of" in a sentence?

Use "behalf of" when you are acting or speaking as a representative of someone else. For example, "I am writing on "behalf of" my client" indicates you are acting for your client.

What can I say instead of "behalf of"?

Alternatives include "in the interest of", "as a representative of", or "for the sake of", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'on my behalf' or 'in my behalf'?

The correct phrasing is 'on my behalf'. 'In my behalf' is not standard English.

What's the difference between 'on behalf of' and 'for'?

While both can indicate acting for someone, "on "behalf of"" typically implies a more formal or representative role, whereas "for" is more general. For example, you might say 'I did it for my friend' but 'I'm speaking on "behalf of" the company'.