action by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'action by' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the action of a person or group, such as in the phrase "action by the government". For example, "The government has taken action by raising taxes on cigarettes".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This requires action by Congress".

The New York Times

Targeted legal action by rightsholders.

The Guardian

• Face legal action by lenders?

The Guardian - Money

Bans strike action by prison officers.

The Guardian - Opinion

It requires action by the government.

The New York Times

But action by the brands needs to be complemented by action by governments.

The Guardian

There is no mention of better action by government itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

What does this action by the principal actually teach Indira?

The New York Times

There is, then, historical precedent for industrial action by doctors.

The Guardian

"This action by parliament is unquestionably significant in that regard".

The Guardian

They could be subject to action by the disciplinary committee".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "action by", ensure the agent performing the action is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "action by the committee" rather than simply "action".

Common error

Avoid using "action by" unnecessarily in passive voice sentences where the actor is unimportant or unknown. Reword the sentence to focus on the action itself, rather than who performed it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "action by" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun and indicating the agent or entity responsible for a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "action by" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase that designates the entity responsible for an action. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it adheres to standard English grammar and is suitable for use in a variety of contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, "action by" serves to clarify accountability and provide context. While versatile, writers should ensure the agent is clearly identified and avoid overuse in passive constructions. Related phrases offer alternatives to express agency with varying degrees of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decisions made by

Stresses the decision-making aspect and links the action to a specific choice.

regulations imposed by

Specifically refers to rules or laws enforced by an authority.

measures undertaken by

Focuses on specific steps taken, adding a layer of detail about the nature of the action.

moves enacted by

Refers to specific changes or shifts that have been put into effect, emphasizing implementation.

efforts led by

Highlights the work being done, emphasizing the energy and initiative involved.

initiatives driven by

Highlights the motivating force or inspiration behind the action.

steps initiated by

Highlights the beginning of a process, emphasizing the start of action.

operations conducted by

Implies a planned and organized activity, often on a larger scale.

interventions performed by

Suggests a more direct and possibly forceful involvement in a situation.

response from

Emphasizes reaction or reply to a situation or event, shifting focus to the reactive nature of the action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "action by" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "measures undertaken by", "steps initiated by", or "decisions made by". These alternatives add a layer of sophistication and detail.

Is it always necessary to specify who is taking the "action by"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the actor after "action by" usually enhances clarity. Without it, the sentence may lack a clear focus.

What's the difference between "action from" and "action by"?

"Action by" indicates the source or performer of the action, while "action from" suggests the origin or starting point of the action. For example, "action by the government" (who is acting) versus "action from the grassroots movement" (where the action originates).

How do I avoid overuse of "action by" in my writing?

To avoid repetition, vary your sentence structure by using active voice constructions or alternative phrases like "measures undertaken by", or simply rephrase to emphasize the action itself.