Common Mistakes : Action

Action – Noun

BAD: The actions that we do everyday are made easier by computers

GOOD: The things that we do everyday are made easier by computers

BAD: If someone has done a wrong action, he should be punished

GOOD: If someone has done something wrong, he should be punished

Do and action cannot be used together. Use do + things/something/ anything etc: She’s always doing things for charity. Don’t do anything that might upset them

BAD: It is difficult to forgive those responsible for actions of terrorism

GOOD: It is difficult to forgive those responsible for acts of terrorism

BAD: Blackmail is the action of trying to obtain money from someone by threatening to expose them

GOOD: Blackmail is the act of trying to obtain money from someone by threatening to expose them

an/the act of (doing) sth (NOT action ): ‘Such acts of violence will not be tolerated.’ For some people, the very act of talking to a doctor can help them to feel better

BAD: Few people are aware that an urgent action is needed

GOOD: Few people are aware that urgent action is needed

BAD: The government should take an action to reduce the birth rate

GOOD: The government should take action to reduce the birth rate

When you are talking about the idea or process of doing something, action is uncountable: There is too much talk and not enough action

In the phrase take action, action is always uncountable: This illegal trade will continue unless action is taken to stop it