act on
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To do something because of information or advice you have been given.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To do something in response to information, advice, or instructions.
"The police acted on a tip-off from a member of the public."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 formal
To have an effect or influence on something (often used in scientific contexts).
"The enzyme acts on the substrate to break down the molecule."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in professional, legal, and everyday contexts. Often appears in phrases like 'act on advice', 'act on instructions', 'act on information'. 'Act upon' is a formal synonym used in official documents.
Commonly used with
advice information instructions tip recommendation impulse
Forms
Base
act on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
acts on
he/she/it
Past simple
acted on
yesterday
Past participle
acted on
have + pp
-ing form
acting on
continuous
Understand "act on" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "act on" on Looplines