on behalf of
/ɒn bɪˈhɑːf ɒv/
Meaning
This phrase means representing someone else, acting as their agent, or speaking for them. It is highly common in formal letters, speeches, emails, and official business meetings when one person represents a group or another individual.
Examples
-
On behalf of the entire team, I would like to welcome you to our company.
On behalf of the entire team, I would like to welcome you to our company.
-
She signed the contract on behalf of her manager, who was away on business.
She signed the contract on behalf of her manager, who was away on business.
-
I am writing this email on behalf of our CEO to schedule a follow-up meeting.
I am writing this email on behalf of our CEO to schedule a follow-up meeting.
-
He accepted the award on behalf of the charity organization.
He accepted the award on behalf of the charity organization.
-
Please accept our sincere apologies on behalf of the customer support department.
Please accept our sincere apologies on behalf of the customer support department.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ In behalf of our company, thank you for your support.
✓ On behalf of our company, thank you for your support.
In standard business English, the correct preposition to use for representing a group is 'on', not 'in'.
-
✗ I am speaking on behalf for my colleague today.
✓ I am speaking on behalf of my colleague today.
The fixed prepositional phrase is 'on behalf of', followed by the object. Do not substitute 'of' with 'for'.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
I am accepting this award ___ my hard-working co-workers.
💡 representing
Show answer
on behalf of
-
___ the management, we wish you a happy retirement.
💡 speaking for the managers
Show answer
On behalf of