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On Behalf of vs. in Behalf of: Usage Guide
A body of opinion favors in with the "interest, benefit" sense of behalf and on with the "support, defense" sense. This distinction has been observed by some writers but overall has never had a sound basis in actual usage. In current British use, on behalf (of) has replaced in behalf (of); both are still used in American English, but the distinction is frequently not observed.
Examples of behalf in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Animal Control contracts an outside vendor, PetData, to handle licensing on its behalf.
—
Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
Just as important, these shows let art fans size up the job curators are doing on their behalf.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Ag Reserve nurseryman, Mike Atchison, the owner of Atchison Exotics, recently addressed the County Commission on behalf of the Agricultural Enhancement Council.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
Uber maintains commercial auto insurance coverage on behalf of its drivers, although New York City requires drivers to hold that insurance themselves, said Uber spokesman Ryan Thornton.
—Cathy Bussewitz, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behalf
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Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
Just as important, these shows let art fans size up the job curators are doing on their behalf.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Ag Reserve nurseryman, Mike Atchison, the owner of Atchison Exotics, recently addressed the County Commission on behalf of the Agricultural Enhancement Council.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026
Uber maintains commercial auto insurance coverage on behalf of its drivers, although New York City requires drivers to hold that insurance themselves, said Uber spokesman Ryan Thornton.
—Cathy Bussewitz, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behalf
Cite this Entry
“Behalf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behalf. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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