A2verb1K

UK/["/ækt/","/ækts/","/ˈæktɪd/","/ˈæktɪŋ/"]/US/["/ækt/","/ækts/","/ˈæktɪd/","/ˈæktɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Act

In simple words: To do something or take action.

Act in a sentence

  • She decided to act in the school play this year.
  • He didn't know how to act in such a tense situation.
  • The committee will act on the proposal next week.
  • They act as if they own the place.
  • Can you act out the scene from the movie for us?

How to use Act

Use 'act' in both formal and informal contexts when referring to behavior. Avoid using it in overly casual settings when describing serious actions.

Grammar pattern

act + on (something), act + like (someone/something)

Memory hint

Think of an 'actor' — they 'act' in a play.

Related words

Collocations with Act

  • at once
  • immediately
  • promptly
  • against
  • for somebody
  • on behalf of somebody
  • act as if
  • act in somebody’s best interests
  • act in good faith
  • at once
  • immediately
  • promptly
  • against
  • for somebody
  • on behalf of somebody
  • act as if
  • act in somebody’s best interests
  • act in good faith
  • brilliantly
  • well
  • badly
  • brilliantly
  • well
  • badly

Opposites of Act

Common mistakes with Act

  • 'Act' is sometimes confused with 'take action', which has a slightly different connotation.
  • Learners often omit the preposition when using 'act on' phrases.
  • 'Act' may be incorrectly used as a noun instead of a verb.

Compare Act with Perform, Execute, Conduct, Behave, React

Act appears in

Act in other languages

More words like Act

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Frequently asked questions about Act

What does Act mean?

To do something or take action.

What is the definition of Act?

to do something for a particular purpose or in order to deal with a situation

How do you use Act in a sentence?

She decided to act in the school play this year.

Can you give another example of Act?

He didn't know how to act in such a tense situation.

What are synonyms for Act?

Common alternatives include perform, execute, conduct, behave, react.

What is the opposite of Act?

Opposite meanings include ignore, neglect, refrain.

What words go with Act?

It commonly pairs with at once, immediately, promptly, against, for somebody, on behalf of somebody, act as if, act in somebody’s best interests, act in good faith, at once, immediately, promptly, against, for somebody, on behalf of somebody, act as if, act in somebody’s best interests, act in good faith, brilliantly, well, badly, brilliantly, well, badly.

What are common mistakes when using Act?

'Act' is sometimes confused with 'take action', which has a slightly different connotation. Learners often omit the preposition when using 'act on' phrases. 'Act' may be incorrectly used as a noun instead of a verb.

How do you pronounce Act?

US: /["/ækt/","/ækts/","/ˈæktɪd/","/ˈæktɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ækt/","/ækts/","/ˈæktɪd/","/ˈæktɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Act?

Use 'act' in both formal and informal contexts when referring to behavior. Avoid using it in overly casual settings when describing serious actions.

What CEFR level is Act?

"Act" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.