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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Grammar/English usage

What's the correct phrase, "in behalf of" or "on behalf of"?
  

Top answer

From the American Heritage Dictionary: Usage Note : A traditional rule holds that in behalf of and on behalf of have distinct meanings. In behalf of means "for the benefit of," as in We raised money in behalf of the earthquake victims. On behalf of means "as the agent of, on the part of," as in The guardian signed the contract on behalf of the minor child.

  • From the American Heritage Dictionary: Usage Note : A traditional rule holds that in behalf of and on behalf of have distinct meanings.
  • In behalf of means "for the benefit of," as in We raised money in behalf of the earthquake victims.
  • On behalf of means "as the agent of, on the part of," as in The guardian signed the contract on behalf of the minor child.
  • The two meanings are quite close, however, and the phrases are often used interchangeably, even by reputable writers.
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1 Answers
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From the American Heritage Dictionary:

Usage Note: A traditional rule holds that in behalf of and on behalf of have distinct meanings. In behalf of means "for the benefit of," as in We raised money in behalf of the earthquake victims. On behalf of means "as the agent of, on the part of," as in The guardian signed the contract on behalf

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