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For the sake of, love of, or on behalf of
For the sake of means for the good of something, for the love of means because you love it, and on behalf of means as someone's representative.
Quick rule
You speak for someone: on behalf of. You aim at the good of something: for the sake of. You do it for pleasure: for the love of.
For the good of someone or something, or to get or keep it: for the sake of peace. It takes a noun or an -ing verb.
Because you love or enjoy something. It is also used to show annoyance: for the love of heaven.
Acting or speaking as the representative of another person or group.
How to choose
| Question | for the sake of | love of | on behalf of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do you speak or act as the representative of a person or group? | No | No | Yes |
| Do you do it for the good or benefit of something? | Yes | No | SometimesSometimes |
| Does it carry the idea of love or really liking something? | No | Yes | No |
Why it trips people up
These three phrases all point to a reason or a person behind an action, but each one does something different. For the sake of names the good you aim at, for the love of names a feeling, and on behalf of names the person you represent.
How each one works
For the sake of
Doing it to protect something
He moved to a quiet town for the sake of his health.
Doing it for someone's good
They stayed friendly for the sake of the children.
A choice for others' good
She quit her night job for the sake of her family.
Love of
Doing it out of passion
She gave up her free time for the love of teaching.
Doing it because you love it
She volunteers at the shelter for the love of animals.
Doing it unpaid, by choice
Many artists work for the love of their craft, not for money.
On behalf of
Representing a group
I'm writing on behalf of the whole team.
Someone speaks for you
My lawyer will speak on my behalf.
Doing it for others
The charity collects coats on behalf of homeless families.
What comes next
for the sake of plus noun or -ing
She kept quiet for the sake of keeping the peace.
for the love of plus what you love
He plays chess for the love of the game.
on behalf of plus person or group
He signed the contract on behalf of the owner.
on plus my, your, or his plus behalf
Please apologize to her on my behalf.
Set phrases
For the sake of
- for old times' sake
- to remember a good time in the past
- for argument's sake
- let's imagine it is true
Love of
- for the love of the game
- because you enjoy it, not for pay
- for love or money
- by any means at all
On behalf of
- on behalf of the company
- as the company's representative
- on someone's behalf
- acting as that person's representative
Almost the same
I did it for your sake.
It was good for you.
I did it on your behalf.
I acted as your representative.
She sings for the sake of her family.
She sings to support them.
She sings for the love of music.
She sings because she enjoys it.
In a conversation
- A:
Are you coming to the dinner on Friday?
- B:
I can't, but my sister will go on my behalf.
- A:
That's fine. We'll limit each speech to five minutes for the sake of the kids.
- B:
Good idea. Nobody wants a two-hour speech!
- A:
Everyone here volunteers for the love of the school anyway.
- B:
True. Say hi to everyone for me.
Common mistakes
Wrong: For the love of the argument, let's say it's true.
Right: For the sake of argument, let's say it's true.
The fixed phrase for "let's imagine it" is for the sake of argument, not love.
Wrong: Please sign this paper on the behalf of the manager.
Right: Please sign this paper on behalf of the manager.
There is no the before behalf: use on behalf of or on his behalf.
Memory trick
If the phrase starts with "on", you represent someone. If it starts with "for", the reason is the good of something (sake) or love (love).
It depends
- In behalf of
- In US English, in behalf of also exists, meaning for the benefit of. On behalf of is the phrase for representing someone.
- A strong tone
- For the love of... as an exclamation is informal and sounds annoyed. Avoid it with strangers or in a work email.
FAQ
What does for the sake of mean?
It means for the good of something, or to get or keep it: for the sake of peace. It takes a noun or an -ing form.
Is it on behalf of or in behalf of?
Use on behalf of. In US English, in behalf of also exists for "for the benefit of".
What does for the love of mean?
It can mean because you love something, as in for the love of the game, or it can be an annoyed exclamation said when something drives you crazy.