Englishfor English speakers
act
Verb
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&; If you act in some way, you do something that makes people think you are that way.
When he must do something, he acts quickly.
Don't do anything strange. Just act normal.
She acted the fool when she saw him.
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If you act, you perform in a film or a play.
Daniel Radcliffe acts in the Harry Potter films.
act
Noun
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Something done, a deed.
Going into the house on fire to help a child was a brave act.
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An act is a law made by the government.
The UK's Freedom of Information Act was passed in 2004. It lets people ask questions of the government.
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An act is when you do something to make people believe something other than the truth.
Susan seems nice, but it's all an act.
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An act is a part of a play, opera, ballet, musical, film, or other theatrical piece. An act is sometimes divided into scenes.
The curtain comes down at the end of each act.
on
Preposition
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positioned at the upper surface of, touching from above
The apple is on the table.
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at the date of
Tim was born on the 4th of July.
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along, forwards (continuing an action)
drive on, rock on
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about, dealing with the subject of
I have a book on history.
There was a World Summit on the Information Society a few weeks ago.
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touching; hanging from
I have no money on me at the moment.
I would like to eat the fruit on the trees.
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because of, due to
He was arrested on suspicion of bribery.
I contacted Joanne on a hunch that she would know about it.
The stock price increased on news of a new product.
on
Adjective
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If something is on, it is active, functioning or operating.
The television is on.
The lights are on, so it is very bright.
the
Determiner
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Used, instead of a, to reference something specific, already known to exist.
Compare "I read a book." and "I read the book."
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Used with a stress, to show that the word following is special.
Are you the John Smith that I went to school with?
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Used with an adjective that acts like a noun to mean all of the people concerned
The poor are always with us.
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Used with superlatives forms of adjectives and adverbs.
You are the best.
offensive
Adjective
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Something offensive is mean, insulting, and unpleasant.
He said something so offensive to her that she cried.
Most feminists find pornography offensive.
She noticed an offensive smell from the blocked drain.
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If something is offensive, it has to do with a play where the team is trying to score.
The offensive coordinator is responsible for ordering all rushing plays.
offensive
Noun
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An attack.
The Marines today launched a major offensive.
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In a position of attacking or being able to attack.
He took the offensive in the press, accusing his opponent of corruption.