“On My Behalf” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 18, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The phrase “on my behalf” is a phrase that you will hear or see quite frequently used in everyday conversation and writing. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and information regarding its origin. You will also see this phrase used properly in conversations/statements and discover other ways you can say this phrase while still conveying the same meaning.

“On My Behalf” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “on my behalf” means doing something for someone as a representative or in their place. It is often used when someone acts, speaks, or makes decisions in favor of another person or to advocate for their interests.
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“On My Behalf” Meaning

The phrase “on my behalf” means to act or speak for someone else, typically with their permission or support. It suggests that one person is taking action or making a statement as a representative of another person.

Examples:

  • “Please accept this gift on my behalf; I couldn’t be there to give it to you in person.”
  • “He spoke on my behalf during the meeting since I was unable to attend.”

Origin of This Idiom

The phrase “on my behalf” is derived from the meaning of the word bihalve. This term dates back to at least the 1300s and meant to stand by someone’s side. Additionally, the phrase “on his” was being used during this time as well to mean on his side. The two were merged and first appeared in writing sometime between 1381 and 1386 when it was used by Chaucer in his poem titled Troilus and Criseyde. Bihalve was changed to behalf at an unspecified period of time and the phrase became what we see today.

Usage of “On My Behalf”

  • In a formal request:

“Could you please submit this application on my behalf since I won’t be able to attend the meeting?”

  • During a conversation about representation:

“I appreciate you standing up for me during the discussion; it means a lot to have someone speak on my behalf.”

  • In a situation involving communication:

“If you have any questions, feel free to contact my assistant on my behalf.”

  • In a professional context:

“I have authorized my lawyer to negotiate the contract on my behalf while I’m out of the country.”

Related Terms to “On My Behalf”

  • In my stead – meaning to act in someone’s place or absence.
  • On my account – indicating that an action is taken in consideration of someone’s interests or needs.
  • As my representative – acting on behalf of someone else with authority or permission.
  • For me – indicating that something is done as a favor or service to someone else.
  • In my name – performing an action or making a statement authorized by someone.
  • On my orders – indicating that someone is acting based on another person’s request or instruction.
  • By proxy – representing someone else in a formal context, often in legal or official matters.
  • In my absence – indicating actions taken when someone is not present.
  • With my consent – implying that an action is taken with someone’s approval or permission.
  • As my delegate – representing someone in a specific role or capacity, often in formal settings.

Other Ways to Say “On My Behalf”

There are several ways to say “on my behalf” and convey the same meaning. Some other things you could say include:

  • In my stead
  • For me
  • In place of

“On My Behalf” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement made by a prisoner during questioning.

  • “I would like for a lawyer to speak on my behalf. I have nothing more to say to you.”

A statement made by a celebrity during an interview on the red carpet.

  • “I have a little cold right now and my voice is awful. I am going to allow my husband to speak to you on my behalf.”

Examples in Conversations

A conversation between a teacher and her students.

  • Teacher: Now class, I am going to absent tomorrow because of a personal matter.
  • Class: Awww! Bummer!
  • Teacher: But I will be back the day after.
  • Class: Yay!
  • Teacher: A substitute will be here tomorrow acting on my behalf, so I expect you all to be on your very best behavior!

A conversation between hospital staff and a son whose father is ill.

  • Staff: Your father is very ill and needs to be treated immediately.
  • Son: Okay, what do you need me to do.
  • Father: They need you to sign papers on my behalf since I have lost all feeling in my right arm and hand. I can’t do it.
  • Son: Sure, dad, not a problem. Where do I sign?

Other examples:

  • He doesn’t have to exert himself on my behalf.
  • I can call on no congressman to worry on my behalf.
  • I can not make up my mind whom to send on my behalf.
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