act upon
B2 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To do something because of a piece of information or advice — the more formal way of saying 'act on'.
Meanings
1 B2 formal
To take action in response to advice, information, or official instructions (formal).
"The committee will act upon the inspector's recommendations within 30 days."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 formal
To have an effect or influence on something (used in scientific or formal analytical writing).
"Gravity acts upon all objects equally, regardless of their mass."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Preferred over 'act on' in formal writing, legal documents, official letters, and speeches. In everyday speech, 'act on' is more natural. Often used in passive constructions: 'the recommendation was acted upon'.
Commonly used with
advice recommendations instructions information findings decision
Forms
Base
act upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
acts upon
he/she/it
Past simple
acted upon
yesterday
Past participle
acted upon
have + pp
-ing form
acting upon
continuous
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Synonyms
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