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."
inseparable
act on
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To take action based on information, advice, or instructions received.
In plain English
To do something because of information or advice you have been given.
What does "act on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "act on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
advice information instructions tip recommendation impulse
How to conjugate "act on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "act on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "act on"
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Keep exploring
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