ENGLISH
REFERENCE

behalf

n.
US //bɪˈhæf// UK //bɪhˈɑːf// be·half
  1. 1 representing someone (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    acting as a representative for another person or a group.

    acting as the agent or representative of another party. In British English, 'on behalf of' covers both representation and benefit.

    Example

    The lawyer spoke on behalf of her client during the meeting.

    Example

    The class president accepted the award on behalf of the entire student body, thanking the faculty for their continued support.

    Usage

    Almost always used in the phrase 'on behalf of'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a high-frequency phrase in formal emails and speeches when one person speaks for a whole group.
    Pitfall
    I am writing in behalf of my company.
    I am writing on behalf of my company.

    While 'in behalf of' exists, 'on behalf of' is the standard choice for representation in most modern contexts.

  2. 2 for someone's benefit (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal American English

    doing something to help someone or for their good.

    acting in the interest or for the benefit of someone else. In American English, 'in behalf of' is sometimes specifically reserved for this 'benefit' sense.

    Example

    A collection was started in behalf of the families who lost their homes.

    Example

    The foundation campaigned tirelessly in behalf of refugee children, ensuring they had access to legal counsel and medical care.

    Usage

    Often appears as 'in behalf of' in American legal or formal writing to mean 'for the benefit of'.

    Teacher's tip

    Most learners only need 'on behalf of'. This 'benefit' distinction is subtle and primarily found in formal American prose.
Origin

From Middle English bihalve (“nearby”), from Old English bī healfe (“by [his/her] side”), from bī (“by”) + healfe (“side, half”), equivalent to be- + half.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 19, 2026