behest

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "behest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a command or request made by someone in authority. Example: "He acted at the behest of his supervisor, ensuring that the project was completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everything that is now being done to the Guardian has already been done to the tabloid press, a hundred times over, and often at the behest of the Guardian.

The Guardian

Some of JIEDDO's intelligence work, particularly the collection of data on US companies, occurred "at the behest of [JIEDDO] leadership".

The Guardian

Security sources believe Barot was probably the person identified in the 9/11 commission's report as Issa al-Britani, who, according to Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, principal architect of 9/11, learned his craft from Hambali, alleged mastermind of the Bali bombing, and went to New York to check out potential targets at the behest of Bin Laden.

The Guardian

Updated at 7.07pm BST Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 6.42pm BSThe:42 The remains of a Macbook that held information leaked by Edward Snowden to the Guardian and was destroyed at the behest of the UK government.

The Guardian

The Battle of Anghiari was covered or destroyed at the behest of the Medici.

The Guardian - Arts

As Zuley's interrogation of Slahi was underway, Miller, the Army two-star general in charge of the Guantánamo detention center, traveled to Iraq at the behest of the Pentagon.

The Guardian

"The MDC views this is as a wanton act of aggression by Zanu-PF aimed at covering up the massive electoral fraud by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) orchestrated at the behest and connivance of Zanu PF," the party said.

The Guardian

Nor does Jing reveal that this is a video produced at the behest of Peabody Energy, the world's largest privately-held coal mining company, which also has its headquarters in St Louis.

The Guardian

Milne was force to resign in 1987 at the behest of BBC chairman Marmaduke Hussey, who had been appointed by Margaret Thatcher to bring the broadcaster to heel.

The Guardian

As a result, Cameron himself, rather than at the behest of Clegg, has had to shelve the British bill of rights, as the Tory party tries to work out how to transpose populism into law, especially how withdrawal from the European convention on human rights could possibly be achieved in the face of a veto by the Scottish government.

The Guardian

"It presents you with the chance to put some MPs in the Commons not just because you want their party to form a majority but because you actually believe they'll stand for something in there rather than just be at the behest of party whips".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "behest", ensure that the authority or source of the command is clearly identified to provide context and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "behest" when the action is merely a suggestion or a voluntary act. "Behest" implies a degree of compulsion or obligation, so it's unsuitable for describing actions that are freely chosen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behest" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used with "at the behest of". It modifies a verb or noun to indicate that an action was performed under someone's command or request, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "behest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to denote actions taken at the command or request of an authority. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, adding a formal tone to writing. Predominantly found in news and business contexts, "behest" emphasizes the influence behind an action. For clearer and more precise communication, ensure that you're using it to accurately represent actions compelled by authority, not mere suggestions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the command of

Emphasizes a direct order from a superior.

at the request of

Indicates a polite or formal solicitation.

on the instruction of

Highlights specific guidance being followed.

under the orders of

Stresses compliance with established directives.

by direction of

Suggests a formal or official mandate.

upon the prompting of

Implies encouragement or initiation by another party.

at the bidding of

Evokes a sense of servitude or obligation.

as instructed by

Focuses on adherence to specific instructions.

on the authority of

Emphasizes the legitimacy and backing of a decision.

pursuant to the directive of

Indicates action taken in accordance with an official order.

FAQs

How can I use "behest" in a sentence?

The phrase "behest" is often used with the preposition "at", as in "at the behest of". For example, "The project was initiated at the behest of the CEO" indicates that the CEO ordered or requested the project to begin.

What can I say instead of "at the behest of"?

You can use alternatives like "at the request of", "at the command of", or "on the instruction of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "by behest" instead of "at the behest of"?

The correct and commonly used phrase is "at the behest of". Using "by behest" is grammatically incorrect and not recognized in standard English.

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

"Behest" implies a more authoritative or compelling request, often from someone in a position of power. A simple "request" is more neutral and does not necessarily indicate the same level of influence or obligation.