On My Behalf - On My Behalf Meaning

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On My Behalf Meaning: What Is The Meaning of On My Behalf? With Clear Illustrations

You may see or hear the phrase “on my behalf” in ordinary conversation or writing. It is such a famous phrase in English. This article will define and explain the origins of this phrase in order to help you better comprehend it. You will also learn how to use it in context using examples, as well as various ways to pronounce it while maintaining the same meaning.

On My Behalf Meaning

What Is The Meaning of “On My Behalf”?

The phrase “on my behalf” refers to doing or speaking on behalf of another person. It is suitable to use when another person allows it because they cannot or are not physically present.

Where Does “On My Behalf” Come From?

The phrase “on my behalf” comes from the definition of the word bihalve. This phrase, which dates back to at least the 1300s, means to be by someone’s side. During this historical period, the expression “on his” was also employed to signify “on his side.” The two were combined and first appeared in writing somewhere between 1381 and 1386 when Chaucer employed it in his poem Troilus and Criseyde. Bihalve was altered to behalf at some point in time, and the phrase evolved into what it is now.

Sentence and Conversation Examples

Sentence Examples

Then he went around to several chiefs on my behalf.
On my behalf, prayer groups were being held.
I would prefer my husband to speak in my place. I do not have anything else to say to you.

These three sentences above are very popular in a real-life context or message. Generally speaking, “on my behalf” in these examples indicates that the person “I” can not do a specific action. As a result, other people do on behalf of the person “I.” In particular, other people here are “he,” “prayer groups,” and “my husband.”

Conversation Examples

The first conversation is between two classmates about their literature teacher:

Friend 1: Do you have the latest information regarding our upcoming literary class?
Friend 2: What is the latest news? Is there any new information? I simply believe that today is like every other day. We go to class, pay attention to teacher Frank, and work on a variety of tasks. That is really dull.
Friend 1: You are “out-of-date.” I mean, today is not like any other day.
Friend 2: Please tell me since I have no idea.
Friend 1: Teacher Frank has visited one of our town’s schools to share his teaching experience. He is always proud of it, you know.
Friend 2: Wow, do you know how long he has been gone?
Friend 1: As I heard from the principal, he will be here for a week.
Friend 2: So we do not have to spend a week studying literature? That is fantastic.
Friend 1: Of course not. Our school will not allow us to unwind. Teacher Frank texted me before going, saying, “Teacher Jessica will be in charge of our class on my behalf.”
Friend 2: What? Why don’t you just tell me?
Friend 1: I have already got his mail.

The second conversation example happens in a business meeting:

Person 1: Okay, so the last issue I’d like to bring up about this project is its cost. What are your opinions on this matter?
Person 2: This pricing seems reasonable to me. It should not be too high or too low.
Person 3: I agree that purchasing our new project at this price may result in profits.
Person 1: I do not believe so. You know, the economy faces lots of challenges in the context of the Covid 19 pandemic. However, according to the report, people’s demand for our product has decreased. So, even if we release a new version, it will be tough to find buyers at this pricing.
Person 2: Okay, I agree with you. So, what should we do? I think you need to find solutions to those problems as soon as possible because our product will be sold next week. We need to make a decision.
Person 1: I just received an email from the manager stating that I need to come in right away to explain our new product in detail. As a result, in the afternoon, we will discuss the solutions to all of the concerns.
Person 3: Fine.
Person 1: If I am unable to come back until 2 p.m., I will tell John to host the meeting on my behalf. As a result, I need every one of you to come up with ideas ahead of time. We will just analyze your solutions in the afternoon. Is this all clear?
Person 2: Okay, thank you.