act against a problem vs take action against a problem

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Take action against a problem' is a more common and idiomatic phrase, implying a proactive approach to addressing an issue. On the other hand, 'act against a problem' is also grammatically correct but may sound less natural in everyday usage.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1771 views

The phrase is grammatically correct but may sound less natural in everyday usage.

"act against a problem"

This phrase can be used to convey the idea of taking steps or measures to address a problem or issue.

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The Commission is very much aware of the problem, but there is a lack of specific measures, which we hope will materialise in the future common agricultural policy, through efficient and flexible market management mechanisms to combat and act against the problems.
It also makes clear that we should act against all religious persecution, which is a problem for all religions and in many countries including - let us be honest - some of the countries of our own European Union.
This procedure does not authorise the Commission to act against a majority in the Council.
The first is that any decision or any act against a Member State must be seen as a decision or act against the European Union as a whole.
You're saying our government plans to commit a terrorist act against a domestic airline -
it is inappropriate to act against a whole crowd who happen to be present in a given location, unless there is evidence that they are uniformly seeking to provoke disorder.
That, then, is where we come up against a problem.
In this regard, we are also coming up against a problem.
In order for the Community institutions (the Commission, the Court of Justice) to be able to act against a Member State in such circumstances, the violation of a fundamental right must be referable to the exercise of Community competence.
The project has run up against a problem with Turkish import tariffs, namely that a 50 % rate of import duty is being charged on the product concerned.
The challenge is immense and it has already come up against a problem in the shape of the Eurlings report, the new draft of which is unbalanced.
But sometimes he had to act against his will.
As a Kohn-Ma, you must have committed serious acts against them.
If the whole of the scientific corps act against Davros, he can't proceed.
I've filed eight criminal acts against him.
National regulators must therefore be given the necessary powers to penalise infringements and act against illegal providers.
As regards Vojvodina, we strongly condemn the reported violent acts against members of the Hungarian minority.
We condemn the attempt to find solutions by means of violent acts against the civilian population.
Nor can you act against the wishes of the players themselves.
At one time, I thought of committing a terrorist act against the university.

Alternatives:

address a problem
deal with a problem
tackle a problem
confront a problem
combat a problem

The phrase is commonly used and idiomatic, implying a proactive approach to addressing an issue.

"take action against a problem"

This phrase is often used to emphasize the proactive nature of addressing a problem by taking specific actions or measures.

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It ensures that in the event of a problem where the consumer wishes to take action against a promoter, he will always have written proof to trigger such action in the form of his complaint and a lack of a written reply.
An officer cannot take action against a superior.
So its extent is here curtailed because that system would place participants on a footing of de facto inequality, given that, if a problem were to arise, the Commission would, as a matter of course, take action against large participants deemed to be solvent.
A coastal country must be able to take action against a ship that forms a threat.
I understand why a man like you would take actions against - a rival.
Article 226 empowers the Commission to take action against a Member States for instances of failure to fulfil their obligations under the Treaty.
The European Union does not have the power to take action against a national price-fixing system.
Furthermore, the Commission wants to underline the fact that, under the EC Treaty, the Commission can only take action against a Member State.
Although the Commission cannot take action against the businesses involved in such practices, it has endeavoured to make businesses aware of this problem by presenting it to various European professional organisations.
I also supported an amendment that allows a Member State to take action against a broadcaster who sets up in another Member State intentionally to get round national legislation.
Will the Commission take action against a practice which runs counter to the principles of competition and the free market?
The Commission therefore considers that there is no legal basis to take action and accordingly does not currently intend to take action against Spain on this issue.
You're forcing us to take action against you.
I will not take action against you now.
The Commission should take action against Member States which have offset amounts to be recovered against flat-rate corrections.
That is why we must immediately take action against everything that may incite young people to drink alcohol.
Furthermore, the Commission's refusal to take action against the alleged wrongdoing infringes Community law.
There's nothing to take action against.
MEPs in the committee therefore call on the Commission to take action against Member States whose national laws are incompatible with the directive.
However, if there are serious legal issues involved national judges must take action against these crimes.

Alternatives:

address a problem
deal with a problem
tackle a problem
confront a problem
combat a problem

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act against a problem vs take action against a problem