Jose Carillo's English Forum

Joe Carillo's Desk => You Asked Me This Question => Topic started by: jun balbin on February 06, 2011, 07:46:59 PM

Title: what is difference of on behalf and in behalf?
Post by: jun balbin on February 06, 2011, 07:46:59 PM

may i ask what is the difference of on behalf and in behalf? thank u in advance

Title: Re: what is difference of on behalf and in behalf?
Post by: Joe Carillo on February 06, 2011, 10:03:35 PM

As I explained in a posting in the Forum’s “Getting to Know English” section (http://josecarilloforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=6.0) way back in March 2009, “on behalf” and “in behalf” are both correct usage, and today they tend to be used interchangeably, particularly in American English. But The American Heritage Book of English Usage cites this traditional rule: use “on behalf of” to mean “as agent of, on the part of,” and use “in behalf” to mean “for the benefit of.” Examples: “Robert accepted the ‘Best Performer’ trophy on behalf of his sister Angela, who was on a European singing tour.” “The Class of ’92 held a benefit concert in behalf of the flood victims.” The two phrases are actually very close in meaning. In my case, I prefer “on behalf of” and will not worry about my choice at all.