act that way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act that way" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's behavior or mannerisms in a particular situation. Example: "I don't understand why you would choose to act that way during the meeting; it was unprofessional."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

If you think you are acting too out of character don't act that way.

WikiHow

Gorditas don't usually act that way.

The New York Times

"If you act that way, GET COUNSELING".

The New York Times

We want to act that way".

The New York Times

"I hope I don't act that way".

The New York Times

"Okay, why did I act that way?

The Washington Post

Why did he or she act that way?

The New York Times

On Thursday, Toney-El responded: "He shouldn't act that way.

The New York Times - Sports

They did not know that they could act that way.

The New Yorker

But companies don't have to act that way.

Harvard Business Review

You act that way when you love your work.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "act that way" to connect specific behaviors with underlying beliefs or motivations, providing a deeper understanding of character or actions.

Common error

While "act that way" is common, overuse in formal documents can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "behave in that manner" or "conduct oneself thusly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act that way" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It specifies the manner or style in which someone behaves, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples where it clarifies the nature of actions taken in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

24%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

12%

Reference

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "act that way" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe and often evaluate someone's behavior in a specific manner. As Ludwig AI explains, it functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to specify how actions are performed. While the phrase appears across diverse sources, it is most frequently encountered in news and media, reflecting its role in describing actions and events. To enhance clarity in writing, particularly in formal contexts, consider varying your phrasing with alternatives like "behave in that manner" or "conduct oneself thusly". This approach helps avoid repetition and maintain an engaging narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behave accordingly

Suggests that behavior should align with expectations or requirements.

behave in that manner

Emphasizes a formal and deliberate style of conduct.

proceed in that fashion

Indicates a structured and deliberate approach or method.

conduct oneself thusly

Indicates a highly formal and somewhat archaic way of behaving.

carry on like that

Suggests a slightly negative or disapproving tone regarding the behavior.

operate in kind

Specifies acting with the same nature or method.

do such a thing

Emphasizes the action or deed being performed.

follow suit

Implies imitating or copying someone else's actions.

move in that direction

Suggests a strategic or planned course of action.

respond similarly

Highlights the reaction or answer in a comparable manner.

FAQs

How can I use "act that way" in a sentence?

You can use "act that way" to describe someone's behavior in a specific situation. For example, "I don't understand why you would "act that way" during the meeting; it was unprofessional".

What's a more formal alternative to "act that way"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "behave in that manner" or "conduct oneself thusly". These options add a level of sophistication to your writing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "act that way"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Act" is a verb, and "that way" functions as an adverbial phrase describing the manner of acting.

What's the difference between "act that way" and "behave like that"?

While both phrases are similar, ""act that way"" tends to refer to a specific instance or manner of acting, whereas "behave like that" can imply a more general pattern of behavior. The choice depends on the specific context you wish to convey.