Quick Definition
Carry Out — To perform or complete a task, plan, order, or investigation; to execute something as instructed.
Meanings of Carry Out
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Notes / Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Perform / execute a task | The team carried out extensive research. | To do and complete a planned activity. |
| Follow instructions or orders | The soldiers carried out their orders without question. | To obey and implement commands. |
| Conduct (an experiment/survey) | Scientists carried out trials on the new drug. | Common in academic and research writing. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| The engineers carried out routine maintenance on the bridge. | Performed scheduled maintenance work. |
| Please carry out the instructions carefully. | Follow and complete the given instructions. |
| The police carried out a full investigation. | Conducted a complete investigation. |
| She carried the project out despite the obstacles. | Completed the project (separated form). |
| They plan to carry out the new strategy next quarter. | Implement the strategy in the future. |
| The doctor carried out a thorough examination. | Performed a detailed medical check. |
| Can you carry it out by Friday? | Complete the task by Friday (pronoun separated). |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: Separable | Transitivity: Transitive
With a noun object: both positions are correct — carry out the plan OR carry the plan out.
With a pronoun object: must be separated — carry it out (NOT carry out it).
Object placement rule: When the object is a pronoun (it, them, this), always place it between carry and out.
How to Use Carry Out
"Carry out" is neutral-to-formal and especially frequent in academic and professional writing. It collocates strongly with nouns like research, investigation, survey, experiment, task, instructions, orders, repairs, assessment.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Academic / Written | The researchers carried out a randomised controlled trial. |
| Professional / Neutral | We will carry out a full audit of the accounts. |
| Informal / Spoken | Did you carry out what I asked? |
| Military / Formal | The mission was carried out successfully at dawn. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Carry Out
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Carry Out
What does "carry out" mean?
"Carry out" means to perform, complete, or execute a task, plan, experiment, or set of instructions. Example: The team carried out extensive research. It is a separable transitive phrasal verb at CEFR B1.
Is "carry out" separable or inseparable?
"Carry out" is separable. With a noun: carry out the task OR carry the task out. With a pronoun: always separate — carry it out, never carry out it.
How do I use "carry out" in a sentence?
The scientists carried out a series of experiments. The object follows "out" or is placed between "carry" and "out". For pronouns: carry it out.
What is the register of "carry out"?
"Carry out" is neutral to slightly formal. It is common in academic, professional, and journalistic writing. In formal reports, it often replaces "do" or "perform".
What CEFR level is "carry out"?
"Carry out" is a B1 — Intermediate phrasal verb. It appears frequently in academic English and professional communication, making it essential for IELTS and business English learners.
What is the difference between "carry out" and "carry on"?
"Carry out" means to execute or complete a specific task. "Carry on" means to continue doing something. Compare: carry out an experiment (execute it) vs. carry on working (continue working).
Can "carry out" be used formally?
Yes, "carry out" is very common in formal and academic writing. Phrases like "carry out research", "carry out an investigation", and "carry out instructions" are standard in professional contexts.
Does "carry out" take an object?
Yes, "carry out" is always transitive. It requires an object: carry out a task, carry out orders. With pronouns, the object must go between verb and particle: carry it out.
How can I practise "carry out"?
Use LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Find the Match exercises to practise "carry out" in context. Focus on separability — practise both "carry out the task" and "carry it out".
Is "carry out" used differently in British and American English?
In British English "carry-out" is also a noun meaning takeaway food. In American English "carry-out" or "takeout" is used as a noun. The phrasal verb meaning (execute a task) is identical in both varieties.