on whose behalf

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on whose behalf" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is acting or speaking for another person or group. Example: "I am writing this letter on whose behalf I represent the interests of the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On whose behalf does she testify?

The New York Times - Books

(e)Limitation year for individuals on whose behalf section 403(b) annuity contracts have been purchased.

Cornell University

(f)Limitation year for individuals on whose behalf individual retirement plans are maintained.

Cornell University

on each aggrieved person on whose behalf the complaint was filed.

Cornell University

So what is this organisation, and on whose behalf does it speak?

The Guardian - Opinion

Yesterday, he refused to say on whose behalf he had bought the archive.

The Guardian

On whose behalf would Scottish civil servants seconded to trade negotiations argue?

The Guardian

The winners shall be the selected Businesses on whose behalf the relevant Competition entries were submitted.

The Guardian

The question for opponents of fracking is on whose behalf are the agents provocateurs provoking.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was not known on whose behalf Merrill was selling Indosat shares.

The New York Times

Fat, on whose behalf I fought so valiantly, is no longer the enemy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on whose behalf", ensure the noun or pronoun following "whose" is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusion about who is being represented.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "on whose behalf" can sometimes sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for "on behalf of" or "for" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on whose behalf" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a question or statement concerning representation or agency. It is used to inquire or specify the entity someone is acting or speaking for, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on whose behalf" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a prepositional phrase to clarify representation or agency. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science, with a tendency towards formal or professional settings. While acceptable, simpler alternatives like "on behalf of" or "for" are preferable in informal settings. Ensure clarity in its usage by clearly identifying the entity being represented. The phrase is generally considered correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on behalf of

A very close synonym, but uses a slightly different construction.

representing

Highlights the act of speaking or acting for someone.

acting for

Highlights the action of representing someone.

to represent

A direct and concise way to express representation.

in the name of

Emphasizes authority or representation, often used in formal contexts.

as a representative of

Emphasizes the official capacity of representing someone.

as an advocate for

Focuses on the role of supporting and promoting someone's interests.

serving the interests of

Emphasizes the act of prioritizing someone's needs and benefits.

for the sake of

Indicates that something is done to benefit someone.

in support of

Focuses on the act of backing or advocating for someone.

FAQs

How can I use "on whose behalf" in a sentence?

You can use "on whose behalf" to inquire about or state who someone is representing or acting for. For example, "On whose behalf are you speaking?" or "I am writing on whose behalf I represent the community."

What's a simpler alternative to "on whose behalf"?

A simpler alternative is "on behalf of", which conveys the same meaning but is less formal. You could also use "for" in many contexts.

Is "on whose behalf" formal or informal?

"On whose behalf" is generally considered more formal. In casual conversation, "on behalf of" or simply "for" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "on whose behalf" and "in whose name"?

"On whose behalf" refers to acting as a representative or advocate, while "in whose name" implies authority or permission. For example, one acts "on whose behalf", but one does something "in whose name".