Phrasal verb
carry out
Definition
phrasal verb. to do a task, job, or piece of work that you have planned or were told to do.
phrasal verb. to perform or complete a task, activity, or instruction. Transitive; frequently collocates with abstract nouns such as 'research', 'orders', or 'investigation'.
Examples
“The scientists carry out experiments in the lab every day.”
“The company decided to carry out a survey to find out what their customers really wanted from the new app.”
“Despite the logistical challenges and the tightening budget, the engineering team managed to carry out the structural repairs before the onset of the winter storms.”
Examples
simple
“The scientists carry out experiments in the lab every day.”
contextual
“The company decided to carry out a survey to find out what their customers really wanted from the new app.”
complex
“Despite the logistical challenges and the tightening budget, the engineering team managed to carry out the structural repairs before the onset of the winter storms.”
Usage
This phrase is transitive and allows for the object to be placed between the verb and the particle.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'do' or 'perform'; 'carry out' is more formal than 'do' and is a high-frequency item in academic and professional writing.
Pitfall
The students made an experiment.
The students carried out an experiment.
Learners often use 'make' for scientific or technical tasks due to L1 interference, but 'carry out' is the standard collocation for experiments.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
carry + out + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/carry-out