Do you find yourself constantly using the phrase “sent on behalf of” in your professional or personal emails? Have you grown tired of the repetition and are looking for ways to sound more varied in your communication?
You’re not alone! Many people rely on this phrase in business communication when sending emails on behalf of someone else, but it can feel repetitive and stale over time. The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives that can be just as effective, professional, and even more engaging. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of alternative phrases you can use to freshen up your communication and sound more versatile when drafting emails for yourself or others.
Whether you’re writing formal business emails or more casual messages, these options will help you mix things up while staying professional. Let’s dive into some excellent alternatives to the phrase “sent on behalf of.”
Other Ways to Say “Sent on Behalf of”
“On behalf of”
A simple alternative to “sent on behalf of” is “on behalf of.” It’s a clean and direct way to convey the same meaning. This phrase is great for professional settings, especially in emails.
“At the request of”
If you want to add a more polite tone, consider using “at the request of.” This phrase emphasizes that the email is being sent because someone specifically asked for it.
“For”
Another concise option is simply using the word “for.” It’s informal but very clear, perfect for internal communications or when writing to someone you’re familiar with.
“By proxy”
This phrase adds a formal touch, making it ideal for legal or high-stakes business communication. It implies that you are acting as a representative or agent for someone else.
“As per instructions from”
Use this phrase when you want to emphasize that the email is being sent under specific instructions from someone else. It adds a sense of professionalism and clarity.
“As instructed by”
Similar to the previous alternative, “as instructed by” is a strong phrase for formal emails. It indicates that the email’s content or purpose has been directed by someone else.
“With the authority of”
This phrase is more formal and often used in business or legal settings. It emphasizes that you have been given permission or authority to act on someone’s behalf.
“Authorized by”
For a professional tone, you can use “authorized by.” This phrase works well in emails where you want to underline that the action is taken with someone’s approval.
“In place of”
When you need to indicate that you are acting as a substitute, “in place of” is a clear and effective phrase. It works well in professional or semi-formal settings.
“Representing”
This is a straightforward way to indicate that you are acting as a representative for someone else. It works in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the tone of the rest of the email.
Key Notes
“Sent on behalf of” is a grammatically correct and suitable phrase for formal situations. However, it can sometimes feel a bit overused, especially in professional communication.
You can use “on behalf of” for both formal and informal situations, particularly in emails. It maintains a professional tone while sounding more concise.
“At the request of” is a polite and formal alternative to “sent on behalf of,” which works particularly well in professional environments like business meetings or formal correspondence.
Keep reading to discover how to use these alternatives in both formal and informal scenarios, with examples to show how they can be applied effectively.
“On behalf of”
Usage:
If you’re looking for a more concise way to say “sent on behalf of,” try using “on behalf of.” This phrase adds a streamlined touch, making it ideal for both professional and casual environments.
Example (in an email):
Dear Mr. Anderson,
Thank you for your recent inquiry. I’m writing to provide the information you requested, on behalf of Mr. Johnson.
Best regards,
Sarah Davis
“At the request of”
Usage:
A more formal alternative to “sent on behalf of” is “at the request of.” This phrase is well-suited for situations where you want to emphasize that the email is being sent following someone’s specific directions.
Example (in an email):
Dear Ms. Patel,
At the request of our CEO, I am sharing the annual report with you for your review.
Best,
Jake Martinez
“For”
Usage:
“For” is a much more casual alternative to “sent on behalf of,” making it great for internal emails or informal communication.
Example (in an email):
Hey John,
I’m sending this over for Lisa since she’s out of the office today.
Talk soon,
Anna
“By proxy”
Usage:
If you’re drafting a more formal or legal email, “by proxy” is an excellent alternative. It carries a sense of authority and precision.
Example (in an email):
Dear Board Members,
Please note that this email is being sent by proxy of the CFO, Mr. Simmons, who is currently on leave.
Kind regards,
Rebecca Hall
“As per instructions from”
Usage:
“As per instructions from” works perfectly in formal situations where it’s essential to highlight that you are following direct instructions from someone in a higher position.
Example (in an email):
Dear Clients,
As per instructions from the Managing Director, I am forwarding this proposal for your review.
Sincerely,
Henry Lee
“As instructed by”
Usage:
This alternative works similarly to the previous one, but with slightly less formality. It’s great for both business emails and informal communications when you need to indicate that your actions are directed by someone else.
Example (in an email):
Dear Ms. Brown,
As instructed by Mr. Green, I’m sharing the updated project timeline for your reference.
Best regards,
Tom White
“With the authority of”
Usage:
When you want to emphasize that you have formal permission to send an email, “with the authority of” is a strong and impactful choice.
Example (in an email):
Dear Ms. Clark,
I am contacting you with the authority of Mr. Evans regarding the upcoming merger details.
Best,
Sarah Black
“Authorized by”
Usage:
“Authorized by” is a direct and professional phrase that indicates you have approval from someone else to send the email.
Example (in an email):
Dear Mr. Thompson,
This email has been authorized by our CEO, Mr. Lewis, and contains confidential information regarding the new policy changes.
Best,
Nancy Smith
“In place of”
Usage:
“In place of” is an effective phrase when you’re filling in for someone temporarily. It works well in both professional and semi-formal settings.
Example (in an email):
Hi Ben,
I’m sending this in place of Sandra, as she’s currently unavailable.
Best,
David
“Representing”
Usage:
“Representing” is a neutral and straightforward way to indicate that you’re sending an email on someone else’s behalf. It’s suitable for formal and informal contexts alike.
Example (in an email):
Dear Mrs. Gray,
I’m writing to you representing Mr. Harris, who is unavailable today.
Best regards,
Lily Jones
Is It Correct to Say “Sent on Behalf of”?
Yes! “Sent on behalf of” is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal settings. It’s a versatile phrase, commonly used in professional emails, when communicating with colleagues, or even in casual chats with friends.
That being said, it’s helpful to have a variety of phrases to keep your communication fresh and dynamic. Using some of the synonyms listed above will help diversify your vocabulary and make your emails stand out.
You can also try slight variations of this phrase, like the following:
- Sent at the request of
- Acting on behalf of
- Conveyed on behalf of
Also Read
It Was Nice Talking to You: Alternatives and Tips for Polished Conversations
In conclusion, “sent on behalf of” is a perfectly acceptable and grammatically correct phrase, whether you’re using it in a formal or informal setting. However, the alternative phrases provided in this article will help you diversify your vocabulary and communicate more effectively in different contexts.
By using these alternatives, you can keep your emails fresh, professional, and engaging while still conveying the same meaning.
