take action

To do something to solve a problem or improve a situation.

• We need to take action.
• The school took action after parents complained.
• Will the government take action to reduce pollution?

How to use it: take action against someone/something (The council will take action against illegal dumping.); take action to do something (We must take action to protect the river.)

Similar words: act, intervene

Common phrases: take action now, take action against something, take action on something

To do something to deal with a problem.

• Please take action soon.
• The manager took action to stop the bullying.
• What happens if nobody takes action against this problem?

How to use it: take action on something (We need to take action on these complaints.); take action to do something (They took action to prevent further damage.)

Similar words: act, take steps

Common phrases: take action immediately, take action against something, take action on something