ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in action

prep. phr..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

prep. phr.. you use this to describe someone or something while they are doing their job or performing a task.

prep. phr.. functioning in a typical or expected manner; actively performing a role or task rather than being idle or theoretical.


SIMPLE

I want to see the new machine in action.

CONTEXTUAL

We went to the stadium early because we wanted to see the star player in action during the warm-up.

COMPLEX

The documentary provides a rare opportunity to observe these elusive predators in action within their natural habitat.

Usage

usually follows a noun or a verb like 'see', 'watch', or 'observe'.

Teaching tip

this phrase is often used to move from a theoretical discussion to a practical demonstration; it can apply to people, machines, or abstract concepts like 'democracy'.

Pitfall

I saw the team on action.I saw the team in action.the fixed preposition for this meaning is 'in', not 'on' or 'at'.

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