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."
inseparable
act upon
B2 formal inseparable transitive
A formal variant of 'act on': to take action based on information, advice, or a recommendation.
In plain English
To do something because of a piece of information or advice — the more formal way of saying 'act on'.
What does "act upon" 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 (used in scientific or formal analytical writing).
"Gravity acts upon all objects equally, regardless of their mass."
inseparable
Usage tip
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'.
Words that pair with "act upon"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
advice recommendations instructions information findings decision
How to conjugate "act upon"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "act upon" in the wild
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Other ways to say "act upon"
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Keep exploring
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