ˈkæri aʊt
formal
intermediate
- Base verb:
- carry
- Particle:
- out
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "carry out" mean?
- To perform or complete a task, plan, or order
- To conduct an experiment, survey, or investigation
- To fulfill a promise or threat
Examples
- The soldiers carried out their orders without question.
- We need to carry out more research before making a decision.
- The government carried out extensive reforms.
- He threatened to quit, and he carried out his threat.
- The survey was carried out among 1,000 participants.
How to use it
Very common in formal, academic, and business contexts. 'Carry out research/experiments/surveys' is standard academic language.
Word order
Object can go between: 'carry the plan out' or after: 'carry out the plan'. More formal with object after.
Similar expressions
perform
execute
conduct
implement
accomplish
Opposites
abandon
neglect
fail to complete
Related phrasal verbs
- carry on
To continue doing something
- carry over
To transfer something to another time or place
- carry through
To complete something successfully despite difficulties
- get out
To leave a place, room, or vehicle
- turn out
To have a particular result or end in a certain way
- go out
To leave your home for social activities or entertainment
Use it in a practice answer
Try "carry out" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.