act on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Take action because of advice or information
Why “on”? The connection starts. The machine, light, or device begins working.
“They acted on the tip.”
“The doctor acted on the test results.”
Don't confuse with
Act on means take action because of advice or information. Act out means express feelings through aggressive or attention-seeking behaviour.
Test yourself
“They acted on the tip.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
act out
A contrast learners often mix up
Perform a scene, story, or plan with actions; Express feelings through aggressive or attention-seeking behaviour
bring on
Same on pattern: power start
Cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start; Help someone or something develop or improve
catch on
Same on pattern: power start
Become popular or fashionable; Begin to understand something
click on
Same on pattern: power start
Activate by clicking
come on
Same on pattern: power start
Used to encourage, hurry or challenge someone; Begin to develop, especially an illness or weather; Start working or be turned on; Make progress or improve; Try to start a romantic or sexual relationship with someone; Be broadcast on television or radio
dawn on
Same on pattern: power start
Suddenly become understood by someone
flip on
Same on pattern: power start
Activate by flipping a control
go on
Same on pattern: power start
Continue happening or doing something; Happen or take place; Talk for a long time, often in a tedious way; Use information as the basis for an opinion; Begin to operate
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