Difference between revisions of "Behalf - behoof - behoove - behove"
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"In recent use we often find ''on behalf'' in the sense of ''in behalf'' '''2b''', to the loss of an important distinction" (''[[OED]]'', ''s.v.'' '''behalf''', '''1.e.'''). (sense 2b is "In the interest of, as a friend or defender of, for the benefit of. (With the notion of interposition: ‘speak in my behalf’ = in my interest, say a good word for me, intercede for me.)" | "In recent use we often find ''on behalf'' in the sense of ''in behalf'' '''2b''', to the loss of an important distinction" (''[[OED]]'', ''s.v.'' '''behalf''', '''1.e.'''). (sense 2b is "In the interest of, as a friend or defender of, for the benefit of. (With the notion of interposition: ‘speak in my behalf’ = in my interest, say a good word for me, intercede for me.)" | ||
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"It is possible in American English, and was formerly possible in British English, to distinguish ''in your behalf'' (ie in your interest) from ''on your behalf'' (ie as your representative) (''[[Longman Guide to English Usage]]''). | "It is possible in American English, and was formerly possible in British English, to distinguish ''in your behalf'' (ie in your interest) from ''on your behalf'' (ie as your representative) (''[[Longman Guide to English Usage]]''). | ||
Revision as of 15:47, 6 January 2011
Behalf, behoof, behoove and behove are very similar in appearance, and quite similar in meaning. Don't confuse them! - although many others have.
The noun behalf, now only used in prepositional phrases with on, or in, behalf of, is etymologically related to the impersonal verb behove. They have a more distant link with behoof and behoove - both more common in American English than British.
- Behalf is the most current of these words in Britain. The general sense is '[on the] side [of]', '[in the] interests [of]'. A lawyer may speak 'on behalf of a client'; an ambassador speaks on behalf the Government [s]he represents.
"In recent use we often find on behalf in the sense of in behalf 2b, to the loss of an important distinction" (OED, s.v. behalf, 1.e.). (sense 2b is "In the interest of, as a friend or defender of, for the benefit of. (With the notion of interposition: ‘speak in my behalf’ = in my interest, say a good word for me, intercede for me.)"
"It is possible in American English, and was formerly possible in British English, to distinguish in your behalf (ie in your interest) from on your behalf (ie as your representative) (Longman Guide to English Usage).
"[O]n behalf of should not be confused with on the part of. An effort on behalf of the members is made for their sake, one on the part of the members is made by the members themselves" (Longman Guide to English Usage).
- The impersonal verb '[it] behoves [him]' means '[it] is suitable(/proper/necessary/fitting) [for him [to do]], ~ 'he ought to ...'. This is the form dominant in British English, reflecting the British pronunciation, which rhymes with 'grove' and 'drove' - IPA: /bɪ ˈhəʊv[z]/.
- [It] behooves [someone] is an older form of the above, now only current in American English, where it appears to be the predominant form. It is pronounced to rhyme with 'move' and 'groove' - IPA: /bɪ ˈhuËv[z]/
