Phrasal verb
carry sth out
Definition
phrasal verb. To do a task or complete something you were asked to do, like a plan or an order. You perform the actions needed to make it happen.
phrasal verb. To perform and complete a task, instruction, or plan. This transitive, separable phrasal verb is common in formal or official contexts.
Examples
“Scientists carry out experiments in the lab.”
“The soldiers were ordered to carry out the mission under the cover of darkness.”
“Despite significant political opposition, the commission was determined to carry out its mandate to investigate corruption at the highest levels.”
Examples
simple
“Scientists carry out experiments in the lab.”
contextual
“The soldiers were ordered to carry out the mission under the cover of darkness.”
complex
“Despite significant political opposition, the commission was determined to carry out its mandate to investigate corruption at the highest levels.”
Usage
Often used with objects like 'a plan', 'a task', 'instructions', 'an experiment', or 'a survey'.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'do' (more general) and 'perform' (more formal); 'carry out' implies following a pre-existing plan or set of instructions.
Pitfall
They carried out it.
They carried it out.
When the object is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
separable
Pattern
carry + out + object