work on behalf of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work on behalf of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is acting as a representative or agent for another person or organization. Example: "She was hired to work on behalf of the charity to raise funds for the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It claims to work on behalf of the extremely poor.

The Guardian - Opinion

I work on behalf of investors that I like and want to do well for.

The New York Times - Magazine

They work on behalf of the Rao family, who own the Indian poultry firm Venky's.

Independent

She commended Lt. Seefried for his work on behalf of gay servicemen.

The New York Times

Inside F.T.I., the decision to work on behalf of Steinmetz caused discord.

The New Yorker

In the meantime, Mr. Rikoon continues his work on behalf of Debevoise clients.

The New York Times

With its work on behalf of WikiLeaks, Anonymous has found a much more high-profile cause.

The New York Times

As great as Da Ponte's services to Italian literature was his work on behalf of opera.

The New Yorker

As a Justice, Thomas's work on behalf of the New Right has been varied.

The New Yorker

But, Ms. Archila said, advocacy work on behalf of immigrants and gays will soften those attitudes.

The New York Times

She repeatedly emphasises her hard work on behalf of her gender.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey: "represent" emphasizes standing in for someone, while "advocate" highlights active support.

Common error

Avoid using "work on behalf of" when you simply mean 'work for'. The former implies representation or advocacy, while the latter indicates employment or general assistance. For example, instead of saying "I work on behalf of this company," say "I work for this company" if you're an employee. If you are acting as a representative, then using "work on behalf of" is acceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work on behalf of" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb, indicating the purpose or beneficiary of an action. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase correctly indicates that someone is acting as a representative or agent for another person or organization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work on behalf of" is a common and grammatically correct way to express acting as a representative or advocate for someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, it indicates a more formal register. When using the phrase, it's essential to clearly identify the entity being represented to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "represent", "advocate for", or "act as an agent for" to add nuance. Ensure you're conveying representation rather than simple employment, as the latter is better expressed with "work for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as an agent for

Focuses on the role of representation, emphasizing the agency aspect.

represent the interests of

Highlights the act of representing and advocating for someone's interests.

serve as an advocate for

Emphasizes the advocacy aspect of the work.

act in the interests of

Highlights acting in someone's best interest.

be an ambassador for

Suggests a role of representing and promoting an entity or cause.

champion the cause of

Highlights active support and promotion of a cause.

promote the welfare of

Focuses on improving the well-being of a group or individual.

undertake endeavors for

Emphasizes the effort and actions taken to achieve something for someone else.

take care of

Suggests handling responsibilities or concerns for someone.

lend support to

Implies providing assistance or backing to someone or something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "work on behalf of" indicates acting as a representative or advocate for someone or something. For example: "She will "work on behalf of" the company during negotiations".

What are some alternatives to "work on behalf of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "represent", "advocate for", or "act as an agent for" instead of "work on behalf of".

Is it correct to say "work in behalf of" instead of "work on behalf of"?

No, the correct phrasing is ""work on behalf of"". "In behalf of" has a slightly different meaning, often implying support or assistance, but it's less common.

What's the difference between "work on behalf of" and "work for"?

"Work for" generally means being employed by someone or an organization. "Work on behalf of", however, indicates acting as a representative or advocate for someone, which implies a supporting function.