How to Use "Actions to Take" or "Actions to Be Taken" in a Sentence

Actions to Take: This phrase employs the active voice and implies that individuals or a specified subject should directly perform the actions. It suggests a sense of agency and responsibility.
Actions to Be Taken: In contrast, "actions to be taken" uses the passive voice and implies that the actions are to be carried out by someone or something, but it does not specify who or what will perform them. It often conveys a more impersonal or formal tone.

The use of "Actions to Take" and "Actions to be Taken"

Picture this: you're leading a project, and you need specific tasks accomplished. Do you say, 'Here are the actions to take' or 'Here are the actions to be taken'? It's a bit like the difference between giving someone a recipe and telling them dinner will be served. In the business world, the choice of these phrases can mean the distinction between clear delegation and an open-ended outcome.

What is the Difference: "Actions to Take" vs. "Actions to Be Taken"

The primary difference between "actions to take" and "actions to be taken" lies in the structure and voice. The choice between these phrases depends on the level of agency and formality desired in the context:

Actions to Take

Use this phrase when you want to emphasize that specific individuals or groups should directly perform the actions. It conveys a sense of responsibility and can be more informal.

"In the event of a medical emergency, there are specific actions to take, such as calling 911, administering first aid if trained, and staying with the person until help arrives."

In this sentence, the phrase "actions to take" refers to the specific steps or procedures that should be followed in the event of a medical emergency. These actions are the recommended or required responses that individuals should carry out when faced with such a situation. The phrase emphasizes the need for decisive and immediate steps to address the emergency.

More examples sentences

"In case of a fire alarm, the actions to take are to evacuate the building immediately and gather at the designated assembly point."
"When facing a conflict with a colleague, one of the actions to take is to initiate a calm and constructive conversation to resolve the issue."
"For better time management, one of the actions to take is to prioritize your tasks and create a daily to-do list."
"To improve your health, actions to take include maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep."
"When preparing for a job interview, actions to take involve researching the company, practicing your responses, and dressing professionally."
"In the event of a power outage, actions to take include unplugging sensitive electronic devices and using flashlights for lighting."
"To enhance cybersecurity, actions to take consist of using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping software up to date."
"When studying for an exam, actions to take encompass reviewing your notes, seeking clarification on challenging topics, and practicing with past exams."
"In case of severe weather warnings, actions to take may involve seeking shelter, securing outdoor items, and staying informed through local news channels."
"To reduce your carbon footprint, actions to take include carpooling, using energy-efficient appliances, and recycling materials."

"Actions to take upon recognition are also demonstrated by example." - Your Wish is My Command

"For General Musharraf, deciding what actions to take against Lashkar will be a tricky matter." - The New York Times

"As the secretariat, it is our responsibility to foster the environment that allows for those actions to take place." - The Guardian

Actions to Be Taken

Opt for this construction when you want to present the actions as more general or when the emphasis is on the actions themselves rather than on who will carry them out. It is often used in formal or professional contexts.

"In response to the safety audit findings, a series of actions to be taken include upgrading the fire alarm system, conducting staff safety training, and implementing stricter access control measures."

In this sentence, the phrase "actions to be taken" refers to the measures or steps that need to be implemented as a response to the safety audit findings. These actions are typically part of a plan or strategy developed to address the identified issues and improve safety. The phrase "actions to be taken" emphasizes that these actions are planned and expected to be carried out in the future as part of a proactive approach to address the audit's recommendations.

More example sentences

"The board has decided that actions to be taken include a review of the company's financial statements before the next shareholder meeting."
"In response to the environmental audit, actions to be taken involve reducing water consumption and implementing recycling programs within the organization."
"To address the public health crisis, actions to be taken by the government include increasing funding for healthcare facilities and promoting vaccination campaigns."
"In light of the security breach, actions to be taken by the IT department will include enhancing cybersecurity measures and investigating the incident further."
"As part of the disaster preparedness plan, actions to be taken by residents include creating emergency kits and identifying safe evacuation routes."
"The report has identified potential risks in the project, and actions to be taken by the project team should involve risk mitigation strategies."
"In response to customer feedback, actions to be taken by the company include improving product quality and expanding customer support hours."
"Actions to be taken by the city council encompass implementing new traffic regulations and investing in public transportation infrastructure."
"Following the safety inspection, actions to be taken by the construction crew involve reinforcing structural elements and addressing safety concerns."
10. "To ensure compliance with industry standards, actions to be taken by the manufacturing facility include upgrading equipment and enhancing quality control procedures."

"What they can do is to buy time for those painful actions to be taken." - The Economist

The inspectors general will then be asked to recommend to their agencies and to Congress specific actions to be taken. - The New York Times

"We are working and cooperating with Hexion on actions to be taken under the merger agreement prior to closing". - The New York Times

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Tricks to Remember the Difference:
To remember the distinction, think of "actions to take" as emphasizing personal responsibility and agency. "Actions to be taken" conveys a more passive or general tone, focusing on the actions themselves.

Synonyms

Steps to Follow: An alternative to "actions to take," particularly when you want to guide someone through a process or series of actions.
- When setting up the new computer system, here are the steps to follow to ensure a smooth and error-free installation process.
Measures to Be Implemented: A synonym for "actions to be taken," often used in formal or professional contexts to convey a sense of formality and seriousness.
- In response to the cybersecurity breach, strict measures to be implemented include enhanced firewalls, regular system updates, and employee cybersecurity training.

Antonyms

The antonyms for "Actions to Take" or "Actions to Be Taken" could be phrases that convey the opposite idea, such as:

"Inaction" or "No Action Required": This indicates that there are no actions that need to be taken, emphasizing a state of doing nothing or maintaining the status quo.
- "After a thorough examination, it was determined that no action is required at this time."
- "The situation is stable, and we can maintain the status quo for now."
"Actions Completed" or "Actions Taken Care Of": These phrases indicate that the necessary actions have already been performed or that everything has been addressed.
- "All the necessary actions have been completed, and the project is on track for delivery."
- "The repairs have been carried out, and the building is now safe for occupancy."
"Status Quo Maintained" or "Steady State": These phrases can be used when no new actions or changes are needed, and things should continue as they are.
- "In the absence of any new developments, we will maintain the status quo with our current processes."
- "The company is in a steady state, with no immediate plans for expansion or changes."
"Actions Deferred" or "Actions Postponed": These phrases indicate that actions that were originally planned have been delayed or put off to a later time.
- "Due to budget constraints, some of the planned actions have been deferred to the next fiscal year."
- "The event has been postponed, and all actions related to it are now on hold."
"No Further Action" or "Actions Deemed Unnecessary": These phrases suggest that no additional actions are required because the situation is considered resolved or complete.
- "The issue has been resolved, and there is no further action required from our end."
- "After careful consideration, the changes were deemed unnecessary, and the original plan will proceed as is."

Common Idioms

Take Matters Into Your Own Hands: An idiom encouraging someone to take action or responsibility for a situation.
The Ball Is in Your Court: Used to indicate that it is someone's responsibility to take action or make a decision.

Summary

In summary, "actions to take" and "actions to be taken" differ in voice and emphasis. Choose "actions to take" when you want to emphasize personal responsibility and agency, and opt for "actions to be taken" when you want to present the actions in a more general or formal context, focusing on the actions themselves rather than on who will carry them out. Understanding this difference will help you convey your intended message effectively.

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