Learn English – In behalf vs on behalf. Which one is used more

word-choice

I'd like to know which one of the following is used more and is the corrected form in speaking.

  • Could you go to the meeting in behalf of me?
  • Could you go to the meeting on behalf of me?

Best Answer

Quick online search finds an answer here: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/behalf. Quoting a note on this page (all emphasis added is mine):

Usage Note: A traditional rule holds that in behalf of and on behalf of have distinct meanings. According to this rule, in behalf of means "for the benefit of," as in "We raised money in behalf of the earthquake victims", while its counterpart on behalf of means "as the agent of, on the part of," as in "The guardian signed the contract on behalf of the child". But as the two meanings are quite close, the phrases are often used interchangeably, even by reputable writers. Statistically, on behalf of is used far more frequently than in behalf of

I would also add that "on behalf of me" sounds awkward; instead, "on my behalf" would sound a lot better. Second, in this particular phrase, using "on behalf of" seems out of place; instead you can say "instead of me" (in my opinion).

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