ENGLISH
REFERENCE

carry sth out

phr. v..
A2 Elementary Oxford

phr. v.. 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.

phr. v.. To perform and complete a task, instruction, or plan. This transitive, separable phrasal verb is common in formal or official contexts.


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.

Particles
out
Separability
separable
Pattern
carry + out + object
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.

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