carry out — execute formally
to put into effect or enforce something, especially a legal order, sentence, or official decision, often involving the use of authority or power.
Say it like a native
Textbook The authorities will enforce the terms of the court's ruling.
Native The authorities will carry out the court's ruling.
'Carry out (an order/sentence)' is the standard verb for executing an official decision; 'enforce the terms of' is heavy.
Pattern: carry out + noun (sentence, execution, threat, punishment)
In use
- The authorities are required by law to carry out the court's sentence without delay.law
- It is the responsibility of the state to carry out capital punishment only in accordance with strict legal procedures.IELTS speaking
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.
Common collocations
carry out + order/sentence— an order, a sentence, the ruling, instructions
Don't confuse it
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.
Related
- carry out (perform a task) — 'carry out' also has the more basic meaning 'perform a task'; this is the advanced sense.