in behalf of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in behalf of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that something is being done or said on someone else's behalf. For example, "I am writing this letter in behalf of my friend, who could not be here today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Champion, one who fights in behalf of another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Samuel Gompers toured the country in behalf of the brothers.

The New Yorker

Champion in behalf of children and the aging.

The New York Times

Will there be a payment in behalf of my husband?

The New York Times

"We're back!" Moran's proclaims in behalf of New Yorkers.

The New York Times

The committees govern in behalf of the Congress.

The New York Times

"I, in behalf of my client hereby transfer and deliver these securities to you in behalf of th banking house".

The New Yorker

Rain TV reported that Chemezov has lobbied in behalf of Tsiskaridze.

The New Yorker

He intruded frequently into the affairs of neighbouring nations in behalf of their conservative forces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Text of a card being distributed in behalf of a Montana political nominee: Tom Davis.

The New Yorker

Much of Dickinson's work in 1863 was in behalf of the Republican Party.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in behalf of" to clearly indicate you are acting as an advocate or representative for someone or something. It adds a touch of formality to your writing.

Common error

While "in behalf of" is technically correct, "on behalf of" is more commonly used. To avoid potential confusion, consider using "on behalf of" instead.

How to use

Learn how to use "in behalf of" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in behalf of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating representation or advocacy. Ludwig examples illustrate it acting as a substitute for "on behalf of", signifying actions taken for another party.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in behalf of" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate representation or advocacy. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to note that the alternative phrase "on behalf of" is much more common. Its communicative purpose is to express support or action taken for another entity, with its register being generally neutral, fitting into both academic and news contexts. While perfectly acceptable, writers should be aware of the frequency difference and consider "on behalf of" for broader acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on behalf of

Replaces "in" with "on", a more common and slightly more formal variant.

for the sake of

Emphasizes the benefit or interest of someone or something.

in the interest of

Highlights acting to protect or advance someone's interests.

in support of

Focuses on providing assistance or advocacy.

representing

Suggests a formal capacity of acting for another.

as an advocate for

Highlights the role of actively promoting a cause or person.

as a representative of

Emphasizes a formal designation to act for another.

for

A shorter, less formal alternative that may lack the nuance of "in behalf of".

acting as an agent for

Specifies a formal agency relationship.

in the name of

Often used to denote authority or justification for an action.

FAQs

What is the difference between "in behalf of" and "on behalf of"?

While both phrases are used to mean "for someone or as someone's representative", "on behalf of" is the more common and widely accepted form. "In behalf of" is considered an alternative, though less frequent, option.

When is it appropriate to use "in behalf of"?

"In behalf of" is suitable when you want to convey the idea of acting as an advocate or representative. However, be aware that "on behalf of" is generally preferred.

What are some alternatives to "in behalf of"?

You can use alternatives like "on behalf of", "for the sake of", or "in support of depending on the context.

Is "in behalf of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "in behalf of" is grammatically correct, although it is less common than "on behalf of". Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English.