What are the definitions of “act on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To take action because of something like information received.
The police were ACTING ON a tip from an informer and caught the gang red handed.
- 2Affect.
The medicine only ACTS ON infected tissue.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “act on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb act on is to take action based on information or advice received. For example, it can mean following a suggestion, responding to a tip, or making a decision based on new information.
What are the different verb forms of “act on”?
| Root Verb | act on |
| Third Person Singular Present | acts on |
| Present Participle | acting on |
| Simple Past | acted on |
| Past Participle | acted on |
Example
The manager decided to act on the employee's suggestion.
Example
She acts on the advice of her mentor.
Example
They are acting on the new information they received.
Example
He acted on the tip and found the hidden treasure.
Example
The police acted on the information and arrested the suspect.
What kind of phrasal verb is “act on”?
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 on” 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 on the report's recommendations.
Example
She acted on her doctor's advice and started exercising.
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 on” 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 on the report's recommendations.
Example
She acted on her doctor's advice and started exercising.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “act on”?
Good things to know
Does “act on” have an informal or formal tone?
Act on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings like business meetings, academic discussions, or legal proceedings.
