to action something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to action something" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase to mean to execute an action, or to take the necessary steps to complete a task. For example, "The manager decided to action the new marketing plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We knew from the beginning that it would be linked to a bigger cause, a broader call to action, something that would be truly worthy of the name Mandela".

The Guardian - Film

Some of his former troops want to return to action, something he doesn't want to do.Carlos Gaviria of the centre-left Democratic Pole, Mr Uribe's defeated opponent in last year's election, says more is needed than just the presence of the army.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The events may increase pressure for the West to take military action, something Turkey has supported.

The New York Times

The effort, called Computerized Neighborhood Environment Tracking, is aimed at encouraging bureaucrats to take prompt action, something often elusive in a big and complex city.

The New York Times

"Meaning a Life" is a reminder that sympathy is not nothing, but sympathy, when it leads to action, is something more, and greater.

The New Yorker

Others pointed to articles posted on Breitbart as a possible inspiration; it would not be the first time that Trump has been moved to action by something published on Breitbart, the former home of his close adviser Steve Bannon.

The New Yorker

"While they may not have the immediate symbolism and very intense call to action that something like the Berlin Wall had, or of course apartheid did," said Benjamin J. Rhodes, the deputy national security adviser, "we need to recognize that there is still a significant amount of work to do in the years ahead".

The New York Times

The call to action: make something that reflects society's desire.

TechCrunch

He notes that "where someone's sense of honorable behaviour has left him unable to act, trickster will appear to suggest an amoral action, something right/wrong that will get life going again".

Independent

They made it tough for anyone other than professionals and the rich to take part in the action, something never before done with a new share offering on the exchange.

Huffington Post

The ultimate goal in his system of "processing" your e-mail by "converting to action" sounds like something halfway between Scientology and Zen: "process to zero".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to action something" when you want to emphasize the process of taking steps to complete a specific task or plan. It is particularly useful in business or project management contexts.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "to action something" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "to do something" or "to start something" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to action something" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating the intent or process of taking action on a specific item or task. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to action something" is a grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to describe the process of taking action on a task or plan. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it is relatively rare and leans towards formal or professional contexts. Alternative phrases such as "to implement something" or "to execute something" may be more suitable depending on the specific context. Use this phrase judiciously, keeping in mind that simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to implement something

Focuses on putting a plan or system into effect.

to execute something

Emphasizes the performance or carrying out of a task.

to initiate something

Highlights the beginning or starting phase of an activity.

to enact something

Implies formally putting something into law or action.

to undertake something

Suggests taking on a responsibility or project.

to set in motion something

Focuses on starting a series of actions or events.

to put something into practice

Emphasizes the application of a theory or idea.

to activate something

Highlights the act of making something active or operational.

to trigger something

Suggests initiating a process or event as a response.

to get something going

Informal way of saying to start or initiate something.

FAQs

How can I use "to action something" in a sentence?

You can use "to action something" to indicate the process of taking steps to complete a specific task. For example, "The manager decided to action the new marketing plan."

What are some alternatives to "to action something"?

Alternatives include "to implement something", "to execute something", or "to initiate something", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to action something" formal or informal?

"To action something" tends to be more formal and is often used in business or professional settings. Simpler phrases are usually preferred in informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "to action something"?

It's appropriate to use "to action something" when discussing project management, business strategy, or any situation where you want to emphasize the active steps being taken to achieve a goal. However, be mindful of your audience and consider simpler alternatives if the context is informal.