carry out — perform a task
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to do or complete a task, plan, order, or activity, especially as part of your job or responsibilities.
Say it like a native
Textbook The team executed the procedure as specified.
Native The team carried out the procedure.
'Carry out' is the everyday verb for performing a task/plan; 'executed the procedure as specified' is technical/formal.
Pattern: carry out [noun]
In use
- The scientists will carry out more tests before making a decision.work
- In my previous job, I had to carry out regular safety checks to make sure everything was working properly.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ We carried on the experiment.
✓ We carried out the experiment.
'Carry out' = perform/complete; 'carry on' = continue. Easy to confuse.
Common collocations
carry out + task— a study, research, an order, repairs
Don't confuse it
'Carry out' is more formal than just 'do,' and is often used for official or important tasks.