At the Behest Of – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever done something because a manager or a client asked you to? You did it at the behest of that person. This formal idiom means something is done because of a strong request, command, or order from someone. Learning at the behest of will help you understand formal writing and official situations.
What Does “At the Behest Of” Mean?
“At the behest of” means because someone has asked or commanded you to do it. It shows that the action was done in response to another person’s authority or request.
Think of it like this: A knight acts at the behest of the king. The king gives an order, and the knight follows it.
Remember, this is a very formal phrase. It is not for casual, everyday conversations.
When to Use It
You will see this idiom in official, legal, or historical contexts.
- Official Orders: “The investigation was launched at the behest of the mayor.”
- Formal Requests: “The report was published at the behest of the committee.”
- Historical Context: “The army marched at the behest of their general.”
The tone is very formal and authoritative. It is used in news reports, legal documents, and formal writing.
Example Sentences
- The company changed its policy at the behest of its major investors.
- At the behest of my professor, I applied for the research grant.
- The law was passed at the behest of the public.
- He resigned from his position at the behest of the board of directors.
Mini Dialogue
Reporter: “Why was the press conference suddenly canceled?”
Spokesperson: “It was canceled at the behest of the CEO, who had to attend to an urgent matter.”
Reporter: “I see. So it was done on her direct order.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The main mistake is using this phrase in casual conversation. It will sound too stiff and unnatural.
❌ Don’t say: “I bought milk at the behest of my mom.”
✅ Do say: “My mom asked me to buy milk.” OR “The directive was issued at the behest of the president.”
Practice Tip
Read a news article about politics or business. Look for this phrase to see how it is used in a formal context. This will help you understand its proper use.
Final Note
This is a phrase for formal communication. You may not use it often in speaking, but understanding it will help you read official documents and news stories with greater confidence.
