CARRY OUT

📖 Definition

To carry out means to perform or complete a task, plan, or action as intended. It involves executing and sometimes implementing instructions, duties, or projects.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
Can insert a noun between 'carry' and 'out'.
Register
Neutral
Used in both professional and casual settings.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple carry out They carry out the tasks efficiently.
Past Simple carried out They carried out the operation successfully.
Present Continuous carrying out She is carrying out her duties now.
Present Perfect have carried out They have carried out their responsibilities well.

💡 When to Use

Executing plans
Use when discussing plans or tasks that are to be fulfilled as intended.
Example: “We need to carry out the new initiative this week.”
Completing instructions
Apply when someone is implementing instructions given by another.
Example: “He carried out all the steps exactly as told.”
Performing duties
Useful in contexts where duties or obligations need to be executed.
Example: “The officer carries out orders without hesitation.”

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Word order
❌ Wrong: Carry the plan out successfully.
✅ Correct: Carry out the plan successfully.
💡 Tip: Keep 'out' after 'carry'.
Intransitive use
❌ Wrong: I need to carry out.
✅ Correct: I need to carry out the assignment.
💡 Tip: Always include what is carried out.
Incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: I will carried out the task.
✅ Correct: I will carry out the task.
💡 Tip: Use 'carry' with future tense.
Practice

CARRY OUT – IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

execute implement

Antonyms

neglect

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

“They need to ___ the project by the deadline.”

carry over
carry out
carry in
carried off

Frequently Asked Questions about Carry Out

What is the origin of carry out?

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The term 'carry out' originates from Middle English, combining 'carry' meaning to transport and 'out' meaning to completion, evolving into its current usage indicating execution of tasks.

Can carry out be used in formal and informal contexts?

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Yes, 'carry out' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It describes execution of tasks or plans across professional and casual scenarios.

What is the difference between carry out and execute?

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'Carry out' and 'execute' both mean to perform a task, but 'execute' often suggests a more meticulous or planned action, suitable for formal or technical contexts.
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey
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