act on

To do something because of information, advice, or instructions you have received.

• You should act on her advice.
• The police acted on a tip and found the stolen car.
• Have they acted on the report’s recommendations?

How to use it: act on something (The police acted on information from a neighbour.)

Similar words: follow, respond to

Opposites: ignore

Common phrases: act on advice, act on information

To do something because you feel a desire or sudden urge to do it.

• Do not act on every impulse.
• She acted on her feelings and asked him out.
• Have you ever acted on an urge you later regretted?

How to use it: act on something (He acted on his desire to travel and booked a flight.)

Similar words: give in to, follow

Opposites: resist

Common phrases: act on impulse, act on feelings

To take steps to deal with a problem or stop something harmful.

• We must act on climate change.
• The government finally acted on the housing crisis.
• Why has nobody acted on this problem sooner?

How to use it: act on something (The council must act on air pollution.)

Similar words: tackle, address, deal with

Opposites: ignore

Common phrases: act on pollution, act on something

To produce a change or effect in something.

• The medicine acts on the nerves.
• Gravity acts on every object near the Earth.
• Different enzymes act on different foods.

How to use it: act on something (This chemical acts on the surface of the metal.)

Similar words: affect, influence

Common phrases: act on cells, act on something

To perform a role in a play, film, or show on a particular stage or platform.

• She wants to act on television.
• He acted on that stage when he was young.
• Do you prefer to act on stage or in films?

Similar words: perform on

Common phrases: act on stage, act on television