take action against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take action against" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to communicate that you are going to do something to oppose or counteract a person or situation. For example, "The government announced that they will take action against those who are protesting without a permit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Someone may take action against him".

The New York Times

"We need to take action against them".

The New York Times

They have to take action against Serbia.

The Guardian - Sport

We need to take action against cheats.

The Guardian

We need to take action against the bankers.

Independent

Police did not take action against the main culprits".

The New York Times

He still dared not take action against them openly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You have to take action against minor offenses.

The New Yorker

"They did not take action against him," she said.

The New York Times

The ads urge readers to "take action against Alzheimer's.

The New York Times

Everything will be done to take action against those involved".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take action against", clearly specify who or what the action is directed towards to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "We must take action", specify "We must take action against pollution."

Common error

Avoid vague statements such as "Taking action is important." Instead, clarify what specific actions will be taken and against what. For example, "The company will take action against employees who violate the code of conduct."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take action against" functions as a verb phrase indicating an intention or process of initiating measures to oppose or counteract a specific entity or situation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take action against" is a commonly used verb phrase signifying an intent to counteract or oppose a specific entity or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for professional and formal discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that the target of the action is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "act against", "intervene against", and "move against", each carrying slightly different nuances. Understanding these nuances can help you more precisely convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act against

This is a more concise version, omitting "take" and implying immediate action.

intervene against

This suggests stepping in to prevent or stop something harmful.

move against

Suggests initiating measures or strategies to counteract.

crack down on

Implies stricter measures and enforcement against something undesirable.

combat

This implies fighting against something, often used for abstract concepts like crime or disease.

counteract

This focuses on neutralizing the effects of something.

fight back against

This emphasizes resistance and opposition.

wage war on

This phrase suggests a more intense and prolonged effort against something.

rebel against

Suggests open resistance to an established authority or system.

thwart

This focuses on preventing someone's plans from succeeding.

FAQs

How can I use "take action against" in a sentence?

Use "take action against" to indicate that measures are being implemented to counteract or oppose something. For example, "The community decided to "take action against" the increasing crime rate".

What are some alternatives to "take action against"?

You can use alternatives like "act against", "intervene against", or "move against" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "take action against" or "take measures against"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""take action against"" often implies a more immediate and forceful response, while "take measures against" can suggest a more planned and strategic approach.

What does it mean to "take action against" something?

To ""take action against"" something means to do something to stop, prevent, or counteract it. This could involve legal, social, or political measures.