in their name

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in their name" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to actions or decisions made on behalf of someone else or an organization. Example: "The charity was established in their name to honor their contributions to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The best workers have trees planted in their name.

The Economist

In their name, we are obliged to rebuild.

The Economist

Instead, they elect representatives to govern in their name.

The Economist

It is in their name that we impeach him.

The Guardian

And who has the fewest unique vowels in their name?

The Guardian - Sport

They refused to sit quietly and have the war waged in their name.

Independent

"The American people need to know what was done in their name".

The New York Times

To deface it in their name seems an odd way to honor them.

The New Yorker

Even chains with the word "suites" in their name are not foolproof.

The New York Times - Travel

Serbs are only now starting to realise the scale of the crimes committed in their name.

The Economist

Some of them are lucky enough to be blue or have blue in their name.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to express something being done on behalf of a group of people, double check if they are supportive. Otherwise, it may be better to use a different sentence. For example, instead of saying: 'We are raising taxes in their name', if you are unsure if they agree, you could try something more nuanced such as: 'We believe raising taxes will help them'

Common error

Avoid using "in their name" when you lack clear authorization or the action may be controversial among the group you claim to represent. If there is an absence of clear authorization, it could be misrepresented and cause offense or mistrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their name" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the authority, justification, or intended beneficiary of an action. Ludwig AI provides examples where it clarifies the purpose or motivation behind events or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in their name" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that an action is being taken with the authority, consent, or for the benefit of a particular group or individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in news, academic, and general writing, demonstrating its versatility. It's crucial to ensure the context makes clear to whom 'their' refers and to avoid using the phrase when you lack clear authorization or the action may be controversial. Alternatives like "on their behalf" or "representing them" may offer more precise nuances depending on the specific situation. When used appropriately, "in their name" is a powerful tool for conveying representation and legitimacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on their behalf

Focuses on acting in someone's interest or as their representative.

in their stead

Implies acting as a substitute or replacement for someone.

representing them

Highlights the act of speaking or acting as their official representative.

with their authority

Emphasizes the permission or power granted by them to act.

as their proxy

Similar to 'on their behalf', but often implies a more formal or legal representation.

for their sake

Highlights the motivation behind an action, doing it to benefit or help them.

in their honor

Highlights that something is done to show respect and admiration for someone.

on account of them

Indicates that something is done because of them or due to their influence.

by their leave

Emphasizes that something is done with their explicit permission or consent.

under their banner

Suggests aligning oneself with their cause, principles, or group.

FAQs

How can I use "in their name" in a sentence?

Use "in their name" to indicate that an action is performed with the permission, authority, or for the benefit of a particular person or group. For example, "The project was launched "on their behalf" to honor their contributions."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "in their name"?

Alternatives include phrases like "on their behalf", "in their stead", "representing them", or "with their authority", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in his name" instead of "in their name"?

Yes, "in his name" is correct when referring to a single male individual. The choice depends on whether you're referring to a singular person ("in his name" or "in her name") or a group of people ("in their name").

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "in their name"?

It's inappropriate to use "in their name" if you don't have the explicit or implicit consent of the people you are claiming to represent, or if the action you're taking could be seen as controversial or harmful to them. Always ensure you have a legitimate basis for acting "on their behalf".