speak on your behalf

USAGE SUMMARY

"speak on your behalf" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this when you want to express that someone is speaking or advocating for you in a situation. For example, "I don't feel comfortable speaking to the boss myself, so I asked my colleague to speak on my behalf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"It feels like, finally, this is our time!" You need a 66-year-old to speak on your behalf?

The Guardian

Better yet, designate a family member to speak on your behalf, someone who can get the ball rolling even if you're not up to it.

The New York Times - Health

By allowing them to speak on your behalf, in this type of dispute you may put pressure on those you believe have wronged you to negotiate a settlement.

Harvard University

You will have past bosses who are prepared to speak on your behalf.

Science Magazine

Your proxy should be willing to speak on your behalf and act on yourwishes, not their own.

Forbes

Building your own network at work can also help you solidify a community of supporters who will speak on your behalf.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

What space does exist is being taken up by white people who don't see that speaking on your behalf only reinforces the existing power dynamics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Talk to those supporters and see what they can do to help, whether it's simply confirming your perspective or speaking on your behalf.

Harvard Business Review

You never shared the true meaning of the project which Winston Churchill, speaking on your behalf, set out in Zurich in 1946 with his incredible words: "We must build a kind of United States of Europe … Great Britain, the British Commonwealth of Nations, mighty America – and, I trust, Soviet Russia … must be the friends and sponsors of the new Europe and must champion its right to live".

The Guardian - Opinion

You don't want someone speaking on your behalf if they are doing shady or pushy business, or are not kind to people.

Huffington Post

An advance directive is a legal document, filled out in advance, that directs your loved ones about how you wish to be treated, if one day you cannot speak on your own behalf.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "speak on your behalf", clearly communicate your needs and expectations to ensure they accurately represent your views.

Common error

Don't assume that someone "speaking on your behalf" automatically knows your complete stance on an issue. Always provide thorough context and relevant information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak on your behalf" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the action of representing someone's views or interests. This is validated by Ludwig, affirming the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

18%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "speak on your behalf" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe representing someone's views or interests, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's versatile, appearing in various contexts from News & Media to Academia. While similar phrases like "advocate for you" or "represent your interests" exist, it's essential to clearly communicate your stance to anyone "speaking on your behalf" to ensure accurate representation. Remember, as indicated by Ludwig, while the phrase is common, it’s crucial to ensure that those representing you understand and accurately reflect your views.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advocate for you

Focuses on active support and promotion of your interests.

represent your interests

Emphasizes acting as a formal delegate or spokesperson.

act as your spokesperson

Highlights the role of conveying your message to others.

be your voice

A more metaphorical expression of representing your views.

intercede for you

Suggests intervening to help resolve a problem or conflict.

plead your case

Implies arguing in your favor, especially in a legal or formal setting.

make representations for you

A formal way of saying someone will present your views or concerns.

take up your cause

Emphasizes championing your beliefs or objectives.

negotiate on your behalf

Specifically refers to bargaining or mediating for you.

act as your proxy

Refers to formally standing in for you, often with legal implications.

FAQs

How can I ask someone to "speak on my behalf"?

Be direct and explain the situation. For instance, “I'm not comfortable addressing this issue with the manager directly. Would you be willing to "speak on my behalf"?”

What's the difference between "speaking on my behalf" and "speaking for me"?

"Speaking on my behalf" implies representing my views, while "speaking for me" suggests having complete authority to make decisions or statements as if you were me. Using "speak on my behalf" is generally more appropriate when you want someone to represent your views but not necessarily act as you.

When is it appropriate to have someone "speak on my behalf"?

It's appropriate when you are unable to communicate effectively, lack confidence, or need an intermediary. For instance, in medical situations, a healthcare proxy can "speak on your behalf".

What are some alternatives to "speak on your behalf"?

You can use alternatives like "advocate for you", "represent your interests", or "act as your spokesperson" depending on the context.