Phrasal verb
act on
Definition
phrasal verb. to do something because of another thing, like a piece of advice, information, or a feeling.
phrasal verb. to take action as a direct result of information, advice, or a specific impulse; often used in professional or legal contexts regarding evidence.
Examples
“The police decided to act on the tip they received.”
“If you don't act on your doctor's advice now, your health might get worse.”
“The board of directors failed to act on the consultant's warnings, leading to a significant loss of market share during the fiscal year.”
Examples
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.”
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.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
act + on + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/act-on