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carry out

to perform or complete a task

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to do or complete a task, plan, or instruction

2. (verb) to conduct an activity such as research or an investigation

Examples

• 1. The government carried out new safety regulations.
• 2. Scientists carried out experiments to test the vaccine.

How to use carry out

Carry out is a common phrasal verb used to describe doing or accomplishing work, often in professional, academic, or institutional contexts. It emphasizes completion and follows-through, and is slightly more formal than the simple verb do. It often appears in passive constructions and is particularly frequent in scientific, medical, and business writing.

Common phrases

• carry out a task
• carry out research
• carry out an investigation
• carry out instructions
• carry out a plan

Synonyms

perform · execute · conduct · implement · complete

Word family

carrying out · carried out

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use carry out with abstract nouns where a simpler verb would be more natural; for example, saying 'carry out a discussion' instead of 'have a discussion' or 'conduct a discussion'.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

bring about, bring up, call off, catch on, come across, come up with

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained