Word Choice – On Behalf of

Graham’s question: “Can you shed some light on the the usage of ‘on behalf of’? For example, if I am acknowledging someone, is it correct for me to say ‘on behalf of myself and the group, I would like to thank you for …’ If I am the one delivering, is it not redundant to state it is on behalf of myself?”

BizWritingTip response: This question deals with a number of grammar issues. First, although you often see and hear the phrase “on behalf of myself,” it is a grammar error. “Of” is a preposition; it must always be followed by an objective pronoun. This means you can only say “on behalf of me.”

Second, it has always been considered poor etiquette to put “me” or “I” before the other person or group. Parents are always telling their children never to say, “Me and Susan went to the store.” The same thing applies here. It should be “on behalf of the group and me.”

Now let’s get down to the thought process surrounding the phrase.”Behalf” comes from “bi-halve” meaning “on the part of.”

If you say, “On behalf of the group and me, I would like to thank you for … ,” it emphasizes that you are part of the group and that you agree wholeheartedly with the consensus. It is fine to use it this way.

However, I think it is unnecessary. I much prefer “On behalf of the group, I would like to thank you for ….” It is much cleaner. The underlying assumption is that you are part of the group.

On behalf of my readers, I would like to thank Graham for this question.