carry out — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings

1 perform a taskto do or complete a task, plan, order, or activity, especially as part of your job or responsibilities.
2 execute formallyto put into effect or enforce something, especially a legal order, sentence, or official decision, often involving the use of authority or power.

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perform a task

B1carry out sthMost common

to do or complete a task, plan, order, or activity, especially as part of your job or responsibilities.

The scientists will carry out more tests before making a decision.

A: Did you carry out the manager's instructions?
B: Yes, I finished everything this morning.

In my previous job, I had to carry out regular safety checks to make sure everything was working properly.

Common mistake

✗We carried on the experiment.

✓We carried out the experiment.

'Carry out' = perform/complete; 'carry on' = continue. Easy to confuse.

Tell it apart

They carried out the plan flawlessly.

performed it

They carried on despite the rain.

continued

Use 'carry out' when talking about finishing something specific, like a plan, research, or instructions.'Carry out' is more formal than just 'do,' and is often used for official or important tasks.

Often paired with

carry out + task

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execute formally

C1carry out sth sthwrittenformal

to put into effect or enforce something, especially a legal order, sentence, or official decision, often involving the use of authority or power.

The authorities are required by law to carry out the court's sentence without delay.

A: Did they really carry out the threat to close the factory?
B: Yes, the decision was enforced last week.

It is the responsibility of the state to carry out capital punishment only in accordance with strict legal procedures.

Common mistake

✗The sentence was carried on by the court.

✓The sentence was carried out by the court.

'Carry out' = put into effect; 'carry on' = continue — don't mix them.

Tell it apart

They carried out the court order.

enforced / executed it

They carried on despite the order.

continued regardless

'Carry out' in this sense is used in formal or legal contexts, especially when referring to enforcing or executing official decisions, punishments, or threats. It is not appropriate for everyday tasks.Unlike the general sense of 'carry out' (to perform a task), this sense is restricted to formal or legal contexts and often involves authority or enforcement.

Often paired with

carry out + order/sentence

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perform a task execute formally