| Biographical Non-Fiction posted May 10, 2021 |
  |
A Most Unhappy Mother's Day
In Sympathy for a Friend
by Elizabeth Emerald
A pair of expressions that are frequently confused are "on behalf of" and "in behalf of."
The former implies that you are taking the liberty of speaking for somebody; the latter means that you are taking action for somebody's benefit.
In some contexts, the difference between the two is subtle; one may argue that the phrases are interchangable.
For instance: I urge you, in behalf of my fan, to cast your vote his way. (The only reason I can't say "on behalf of" is that it implies my fan is asking me to solicit votes, for which he would be banned from the site.)
In other contexts, the difference between the two is stunningly apparent.
For instance, my friend Debbie phoned today to tell me she'd called protective services last week in behalf of her mother, who lives in continual fear of her daughter-in-residence, Susan-the-Terrible.
That Debbie's request for intervention was not made on behalf of her mother is evidenced by her mother's outrage at Debbie's interference.
As punishment for her audacity, and for the unforgivable "betrayal of your sister," Debbie has been banned from her mother's house of horrors, wherein the abusive Susan reigns supreme.
Debbie's only recourse is to pray that her mother, age 96, comes to no harm; Susan is getting increasingly impatient for her inheritance.
It is both in and on Debbie's behalf that I ask you to pray along with her.
A pair of expressions that are frequently confused are "on behalf of" and "in behalf of."
The former implies that you are taking the liberty of speaking for somebody; the latter means that you are taking action for somebody's benefit.
In some contexts, the difference between the two is subtle; one may argue that the phrases are interchangable.
For instance: I urge you, in behalf of my fan, to cast your vote his way. (The only reason I can't say "on behalf of" is that it implies my fan is asking me to solicit votes, for which he would be banned from the site.)
In other contexts, the difference between the two is stunningly apparent.
For instance, my friend Debbie phoned today to tell me she'd called protective services last week in behalf of her mother, who lives in continual fear of her daughter-in-residence, Susan-the-Terrible.
That Debbie's request for intervention was not made on behalf of her mother is evidenced by her mother's outrage at Debbie's interference.
As punishment for her audacity, and for the unforgivable "betrayal of your sister," Debbie has been banned from her mother's house of horrors, wherein the abusive Susan reigns supreme.
Debbie's only recourse is to pray that her mother, age 96, comes to no harm; Susan is getting increasingly impatient for her inheritance.
It is both in and on Debbie's behalf that I ask you to pray along with her.
The former implies that you are taking the liberty of speaking for somebody; the latter means that you are taking action for somebody's benefit.
In some contexts, the difference between the two is subtle; one may argue that the phrases are interchangable.
For instance: I urge you, in behalf of my fan, to cast your vote his way. (The only reason I can't say "on behalf of" is that it implies my fan is asking me to solicit votes, for which he would be banned from the site.)
In other contexts, the difference between the two is stunningly apparent.
For instance, my friend Debbie phoned today to tell me she'd called protective services last week in behalf of her mother, who lives in continual fear of her daughter-in-residence, Susan-the-Terrible.
That Debbie's request for intervention was not made on behalf of her mother is evidenced by her mother's outrage at Debbie's interference.
As punishment for her audacity, and for the unforgivable "betrayal of your sister," Debbie has been banned from her mother's house of horrors, wherein the abusive Susan reigns supreme.
Debbie's only recourse is to pray that her mother, age 96, comes to no harm; Susan is getting increasingly impatient for her inheritance.
It is both in and on Debbie's behalf that I ask you to pray along with her.
 Recognized |
Helza Blaze by MoonWillow on FanArtReview.com THANK YOU!
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Artwork by MoonWillow at FanArtReview.com
You need to login or register to write reviews. It's quick! We only ask four questions to new members.
© Copyright 2024. Elizabeth Emerald All rights reserved.
Elizabeth Emerald has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.