ENGLISH
REFERENCE

act on

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to do something because of another thing, like a piece of advice, information, or a feeling.

phr. v.. to take action as a direct result of information, advice, or a specific impulse; often used in professional or legal contexts regarding evidence.


SIMPLE

The police decided to act on the tip they received.

CONTEXTUAL

If you don't act on your doctor's advice now, your health might get worse.

COMPLEX

The board of directors failed to act on the consultant's warnings, leading to a significant loss of market share during the fiscal year.

Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
act + on + object
Usage

usually followed by a noun representing information, such as advice, a suggestion, or evidence.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'act out' (to behave badly) to show how the particle 'on' implies a foundation or reason for the action.

Pitfall

He acted on to the suggestion.He acted on the suggestion.the particle 'on' functions as the preposition here; do not add 'to' before the object.

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