What are the definitions of “act upon”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To take action because of something like information received.
The police were ACTING UPON a tip off.
- 2Affect.
The enzyme ACTS UPON certain proteins.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “act upon”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb act upon is to take action based on information or advice received. It means to respond or react to something, such as a suggestion, a tip, or a piece of information.
What are the different verb forms of “act upon”?
| Root Verb | act upon |
| Third Person Singular Present | acts upon |
| Present Participle | acting upon |
| Simple Past | acted upon |
| Past Participle | acted upon |
Example
The manager decided to act upon the employee's suggestion.
Example
She acts upon the advice of her mentor.
Example
They are acting upon the new information they received.
Example
He acted upon the warning and left the area.
Example
The advice was acted upon immediately.
What kind of phrasal verb is “act upon”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“act upon” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The government acted upon the recommendations.
Example
She acted upon the new information.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“act upon” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The government acted upon the recommendations.
Example
She acted upon the new information.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “act upon”?
Good things to know
Does “act upon” have an informal or formal tone?
Act upon is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as academic writing or professional communication.
