make decisions on behalf of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make decisions on behalf of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who is authorized to make choices or judgments for another person or group. Example: "As the team leader, I have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the entire project group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Can one's current, competent self make decisions on behalf of one's future demented self — who may find modest pleasure, years later, in a life once deemed intolerable?

The New York Times - Health

8 Some countries have legislation about proxy decision making, enabling family carers to make decisions on behalf of people without capacity, but this is not universally the case, and legislation differs.

British Medical Journal

In fairness, the rule itself is important to protect board members so they can make decisions on behalf of the company without fear that every one of them could be litigated to death.

The New York Times

The possibility that a family member, even one not appointed by a judge as a legal representative, may make decisions on behalf of the patient needs careful consideration.

BMC Medical Ethics

That is appropriate given Steve's need to have the room to make decisions on behalf of the board.

The Guardian - Sport

Their capacity to act as parents and to make decisions on behalf of their families is so restricted".

The Guardian

"In our representative democracy we are paid to make decisions on behalf of Australians who have voted us into office," the statement said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

In Japan, there is no decision-making guide regarding long-term tube feeding that specifically targets individuals making decisions on behalf of cognitively impaired older persons (substitute decision makers).

BMC Geriatrics

"He wants the federal government making decisions on behalf of ordinary citizens.

The New York Times

We don't believe in planners and deciders making decisions on behalf of America".

The New York Times

I don't want the federal government making decisions on behalf of everybody.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "make decisions on behalf of", ensure that the context clearly establishes the authority and responsibility associated with the decision-making power. Clarify the scope and limitations of this authority to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming you can "make decisions on behalf of" someone without their explicit consent or legal authorization. Always confirm you have the right to represent them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make decisions on behalf of" functions as a prepositional phrase that describes the action of someone authorized to choose or judge for another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, showing many cases where it is found in different sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0.01%

Wiki

0.01%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make decisions on behalf of" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the act of someone authorized to choose or judge for another, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is versatile, used in diverse contexts from news media and scientific journals to business correspondence. While it indicates a formal or representative role, it's crucial to ensure proper authorization and consent. Alternatives like "decide for" or "act as a proxy for" exist, but "make decisions on behalf of" clearly conveys the idea of representing someone in decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

represent in decision-making

Explicitly states the act of representing someone's interests.

decide for

Focuses on the act of deciding rather than the representation aspect.

act as a proxy for

Highlights the role of acting as a substitute decision-maker.

act in the interest of

Focuses on prioritizing another's well-being.

take the reins for

Suggests assuming control and making choices for someone.

be the voice of

Suggests advocating or speaking for another person or group.

determine for

Conveys the action of setting or establishing something for someone else.

exercise judgment for

Emphasizes the act of using one's own discretion for another's benefit.

govern for

Highlights the action of leading or ruling in the interests of another party.

legislate on behalf of

Implies the creation of laws or regulations that benefit a group.

FAQs

How can I use "make decisions on behalf of" in a sentence?

You can use "make decisions on behalf of" to indicate that someone has the authority to decide for another person or group. For example: "As a legal guardian, she can "make decisions on behalf of" her child".

What are some alternatives to "make decisions on behalf of"?

Some alternatives include "decide for", "act as a proxy for", or "represent in decision-making", depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to "make decisions on behalf of" someone?

It is typically appropriate to "make decisions on behalf of" someone when you have legal authority (e.g., as a guardian or power of attorney), or when the person lacks the capacity to make decisions themselves due to age, illness, or disability.

What is the difference between "make decisions on behalf of" and "make decisions for"?

"Make decisions on behalf of" implies a formal or representative role, while "make decisions for" can sometimes suggest a more unilateral or less authorized action. Using "make decisions on behalf of" often indicates a recognized or legitimate right to decide.