# act on

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/act-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He acted on to the suggestion." but "He acted on the suggestion." — the particle 'on' functions as the preposition here; do not add 'to' before the object.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.