CARRY THROUGH

"When life's challenges seem insurmountable, remember the strength within that can carry you through to brighter days and new beginnings."

📖 Definition

To complete or achieve something, often despite challenges, sometimes implying support or guidance in maintaining progress to the end.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To complete or achieve something, often despite challenges, sometimes implying support or guidance in maintaining progress to the end.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can be placed between 'carry' and 'through'.
Register
Neutral
Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object to indicate what is being carried through.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple carry through She carries through her ideas with determination.
Past Simple carried through He carried through the project despite many obstacles.
Present Continuous carrying through They are carrying through tough negotiations for peace.
Present Perfect have carried through We have carried through all our commitments this year.

💡 When to Use

In challenging contexts
Use when discussing tasks that need perseverance or resolve to be completed successfully.
Example: "Despite setbacks, she carried through to finish her degree."
During support transitions
Use when providing guidance or support to help someone achieve a goal.
Example: "His mentor carried him through the difficult training period."
Project completions
Use when talking about successfully finishing projects or plans, especially with obstacles.
Example: "The team carried through the project to launch successfully."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: They carried the project through not.
✅ Correct: They did not carry the project through.
💡 Tip: Remember to place 'not' after the object.
Misuse in intransitive context
❌ Wrong: She carried through nicely.
✅ Correct: She carried the task through nicely.
💡 Tip: Always specify what is being carried through.
Use without direct object
❌ Wrong: He carried through without help.
✅ Correct: He carried the mission through without help.
💡 Tip: Ensure there's an object receiving the action.
Practice

CARRY THROUGH - 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

  • 1
    Listen to example

    Jane carried through the plan despite facing many difficulties along the way.

    Urban Compact Living
  • 2
    Listen to example

    The resolve to carry through dreams is often what sets achievers apart.

    Urban Compact Living
  • 3
    Listen to example

    With the team's support, he carried through the negotiations successfully.

    Urban Compact Living

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

complete fulfill

Antonyms

abandon

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Despite the challenges, they were able to ___ the project successfully."

carry in
carry through
carry on
carry out

In Context

Florence Nightingale, renowned as the founder of modern nursing, carried through revolutionary healthcare reforms. In 1854, during the Crimean War, Nightingale was appalled by the conditions in British army hospitals. The environment was unsanitary, leading to high mortality rates. Despite significant resistance from military officials and her own health challenges, Nightingale's determination carried her through. She implemented cleanliness protocols, reorganized hospital management, and established a culture of compassionate care, including basic nursing practices that saved countless lives. Her tireless work carried through not just the war period, but also post-war dialogues, leading to substantive improvements in military and civilian hospitals. Nightingale's efforts carried through her later endeavors, as she began gathering statistical evidence to advocate further reforms, leveraging her influence to carry these changes through British governmental and medical institutions. Her legacy, carried through by those who followed, revolutionized the field of nursing and healthcare systems worldwide, embodying perseverance in the pursuit of progress and humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carry Through

What is the origin of carry through?

+
The phrasal verb 'carry through' likely originated from the blending of the literal sense of carrying something physically combined with the metaphorical idea of leading or guiding an endeavor to completion. Its usage highlights perseverance in achieving goals.

Can carry through be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Carry through' is versatile, suited for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutral register allows its application in professional environments, like business projects, as well as personal matters involving perseverance, like personal goals or daily challenges.

What is the difference between carry through and complete?

+
While 'carry through' emphasizes the process of persisting despite challenges, 'complete' simply indicates finishing something. 'Carry through' often implies overcoming adversity and may involve external support, whereas 'complete' focuses on the end result.
Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs
Tiny House Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
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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