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
Monthly bills from the counties to the Marshals Service show how much jails are netting from housing federal inmates, regardless of whether they're being held on behalf of ICE, the FBI or another federal agency.
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Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
The lawsuit was filed against Roblox and Discord on behalf of an 11-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe R. M., of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
—Alison Escalante, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Due to the immersive nature of most of the activities, parents and guardians will have to sign a waiver on behalf of their kids.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 23 July 2025
Two of Rose’s children, daughter Fawn and son Tyler, are now locked in a battle for control, while the dispute has also drawn in Rose’s longtime agent and representative, Mike Maguire, whom Fawn accuses of acting on behalf of the estate without proper legal authority.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 July 2025
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Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
The lawsuit was filed against Roblox and Discord on behalf of an 11-year-old girl, identified as Jane Doe R. M., of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
—Alison Escalante, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Due to the immersive nature of most of the activities, parents and guardians will have to sign a waiver on behalf of their kids.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 23 July 2025
Two of Rose’s children, daughter Fawn and son Tyler, are now locked in a battle for control, while the dispute has also drawn in Rose’s longtime agent and representative, Mike Maguire, whom Fawn accuses of acting on behalf of the estate without proper legal authority.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for behalf
Cite this Entry
“Behalf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behalf. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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