I am writing on behalf of
Formal business communication expression
Use this to show you are officially representing a person or group in formal writing.
In 15 Seconds
- Acting as an official messenger for another person.
- Used at the start of formal emails or letters.
- Shows you have the authority to represent someone else.
Meaning
This phrase means you are acting as a messenger or representative for someone else. You are speaking or writing for a person or group who isn't there.
Key Examples
3 of 7Organizing a group gift
I am writing on behalf of the office to thank you for the cake.
I am writing on behalf of the office to thank you for the cake.
A neighborhood complaint
I am writing on behalf of the residents regarding the noisy construction.
I am writing on behalf of the residents regarding the noisy construction.
Legal representation
I am writing on behalf of my client to accept your offer.
I am writing on behalf of my client to accept your offer.
Cultural Background
This phrase is rooted in English common law and administrative traditions where proxies were needed for legal representation. It remains a staple of professional etiquette in Anglophone countries, signaling that the writer has been formally authorized to communicate. It reflects the high value placed on institutional hierarchy and clear delegation in Western business culture.
The Power Move
Using this phrase makes your email sound like it has more weight. Even if you're just an intern, writing `on behalf of the manager` gets people to reply faster!
Don't Mix Up Prepositions
Always use `on` and `of`. Some people say `in behalf of`, but that actually means 'for the benefit of' (like doing a favor), and it's much rarer today.
In 15 Seconds
- Acting as an official messenger for another person.
- Used at the start of formal emails or letters.
- Shows you have the authority to represent someone else.
What It Means
Imagine you are a messenger. You aren't speaking for yourself. You are speaking for your boss. Or maybe a whole company. It means "I am the voice for X." It shows you have authority to speak. It is like being a temporary lawyer. You represent their interests. You are the bridge between two parties. It is a very useful tool for clarity.
How To Use It
Start your email with this phrase. Follow it with a name or group. For example, I am writing on behalf of the CEO. It sets the stage immediately. The reader knows who is actually talking. Use it in the first sentence. It keeps things clear and professional. You can also put it at the end. But the beginning is much more common. It establishes your role right away.
When To Use It
Use it in business emails. Use it for legal documents. It works well for complaints too. Maybe your neighbor's dog is loud. You write for the whole street. I am writing on behalf of the neighbors. It adds weight to your words. It sounds serious and organized. Use it when you are an assistant. Use it when you are a group leader. It makes you sound very official.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for lunch plans. I am writing on behalf of my stomach is funny. But it is too much for a text. Avoid it with close friends. It creates a cold distance. If you are just yourself, skip it. It makes you sound like a robot. Don't use it if you don't have permission. That could get you into big trouble! Keep it for professional or formal needs.
Cultural Background
English culture loves clear boundaries. We like to know who is responsible. This phrase comes from old legal traditions. It protects the writer and the sender. It shows respect for the chain of command. It is very common in UK and US offices. It reflects a hierarchical society. It helps avoid confusion about who is making decisions. It is a polite way to show power.
Common Variations
You can say On behalf of.... This is even shorter. Or try I represent.... That sounds very official. Speaking for... is a bit softer. Use I am contacting you for... if you want less drama. Some people say In the name of.... But that sounds like a movie hero. Stick to on behalf of for work. It is the gold standard for business.
Usage Notes
This is a high-level formal expression. Use it when you want to appear professional, authorized, and organized in written correspondence.
The Power Move
Using this phrase makes your email sound like it has more weight. Even if you're just an intern, writing `on behalf of the manager` gets people to reply faster!
Don't Mix Up Prepositions
Always use `on` and `of`. Some people say `in behalf of`, but that actually means 'for the benefit of' (like doing a favor), and it's much rarer today.
The 'Polite Distance' Secret
English speakers often use this phrase when they have to deliver bad news. It helps the writer distance themselves personally from the decision by blaming the 'group' they represent.
Examples
7I am writing on behalf of the office to thank you for the cake.
I am writing on behalf of the office to thank you for the cake.
Shows the whole group is grateful, not just the writer.
I am writing on behalf of the residents regarding the noisy construction.
I am writing on behalf of the residents regarding the noisy construction.
Gives the complaint more power by representing many people.
I am writing on behalf of my client to accept your offer.
I am writing on behalf of my client to accept your offer.
Standard legal phrasing for a lawyer acting for a client.
I'm writing on behalf of Sarah; she's too sick to check her phone.
I'm writing on behalf of Sarah; she's too sick to check her phone.
A slightly more casual use of the phrase for a practical reason.
I am writing on behalf of my cat, who demands more treats immediately.
I am writing on behalf of my cat, who demands more treats immediately.
Uses formal language for a silly, everyday situation.
I am writing on behalf of my family to express our deepest sympathies.
I am writing on behalf of my family to express our deepest sympathies.
A respectful way to show a united family front during a hard time.
I am writing on behalf of the HR department to announce the new policy.
I am writing on behalf of the HR department to announce the new policy.
Clarifies that the message comes from the department, not just the individual.
Test Yourself
Complete the formal opening of this email.
I am writing ___ behalf of the Board of Directors.
The standard preposition for this expression is always `on`.
Choose the correct ending for the phrase.
I am writing on behalf ___ the marketing team.
The phrase is a fixed expression: `on behalf of`.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Representation
Just texting for a friend
Hey, Sarah told me to tell you...
Standard business communication
I'm writing for my boss...
Official representation
I am writing on behalf of...
Legal or diplomatic
Acting as legal proxy on behalf of...
When to use 'On Behalf Of'
Corporate Email
Writing for the CEO
Legal Letter
Representing a client
Group Complaint
Speaking for neighbors
Family Matters
Handling an estate
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsIt means you are acting as a representative for someone else. You are the person doing the writing, but the message belongs to the person you mention, like I am writing on behalf of my boss.
Yes, it might be. If you know the person well, just say I'm writing for [Name]. Save the full phrase for clients or people in other departments.
Absolutely. You will often hear people say On behalf of the bride and groom, I'd like to thank you all. It works just as well for speaking as it does for writing.
In modern English, on behalf of means 'as a representative'. In behalf of is old-fashioned and means 'for the benefit of'. Stick to on behalf of for 99% of situations.
Usually, yes, if it starts the sentence. For example: On behalf of the team, I want to welcome you. If it's part of the main clause like I am writing on behalf of..., no comma is needed.
Yes, it is very common for that. You can say I am writing on behalf of Google if you are their official spokesperson for that message.
Yes, you can say We are writing on behalf of.... This makes it sound like a whole department is contacting the person, which is even more formal.
Yes, it is often used in legal or memorial contexts. For example, I am writing on behalf of the estate of Mr. Smith.
It is used in both! It is a standard phrase across the entire English-speaking business world.
The most common mistake is saying on behalf to or on behalf for. Remember to always use of at the end.
It sounds professional, but not necessarily like a lawyer. It just shows you are organized and have been given permission to speak for someone.
Related Phrases
In the name of
Doing something using the authority or reputation of someone else.
Representing
Acting or speaking on behalf of someone or a group.
As a proxy for
Acting as a substitute for someone else in a formal capacity.
Speaking for
A less formal way to say you are expressing someone else's views.
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