carry out

Short definition: The phrase carry out means to complete or perform a task, plan, or order, following instructions or intentions through to the end.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrasal verb carry out? This is a very common expression in English, especially in formal, academic, and professional contexts. It usually means performing or completing a task, plan, or instruction. You’ll often hear it in workplaces, research settings, and official situations. Because it sounds slightly formal, it’s commonly used in written English as well. Below are detailed meanings with realistic examples so you can clearly understand how carry out works in everyday and professional English.

carry out v. /ˌkæri ˈaʊt/

Forms: carry out, carries out, carried out, carrying out
Related: perform v., execute v., implement v., complete v.
Syllable: car-ry-out

  1. (Verb) To perform or complete a task, plan, or instruction.

    To carry out most commonly means to perform or complete a task, plan, or instruction exactly as required or intended.

    The team worked together to carry out the project successfully.
    Please carry out the instructions carefully before using the machine.
    The company carried out a major reorganization last year.

    Synonyms: perform, execute, implement, accomplish, complete, fulfill, conduct, undertake, achieve, realize, put into action, follow through
    Antonyms: abandon, cancel, ignore, neglect, fail to complete, stop midway, postpone, reject plan, refuse to act, withdraw effort, disregard instructions, leave unfinished

  2. (Verb) To conduct or organize an activity, especially research or investigation.

    Carry out is often used in formal contexts to describe conducting research, surveys, inspections, or official procedures.

    Scientists carried out experiments to test the new theory.
    The police carried out an investigation into the incident.
    The company carried out a survey to understand customer satisfaction.

    Synonyms: conduct, administer, organize, run, oversee, manage, execute study, perform analysis, initiate procedure, supervise, handle formally, implement research
    Antonyms: halt investigation, discontinue study, suspend process, ignore inquiry, cancel procedure, refuse examination, block research, delay analysis, avoid review, neglect inspection, abandon inquiry, dismiss evaluation

  3. (Verb) To put a decision or threat into action.

    In serious or official contexts, carry out can mean enforcing a decision, punishment, or plan after it has been announced.

    The sentence was carried out according to the law.
    The government plans to carry out reforms next year.
    They followed through and carried out their promise.

    Synonyms: enforce, enact, apply, impose, follow through on, put into effect, execute decision, implement ruling, finalize action, bring about, see through, uphold
    Antonyms: revoke, overturn, cancel decision, abandon policy, reverse action, suspend enforcement, withdraw order, nullify, invalidate, stop implementation, reject ruling, ignore mandate

Conversation Using the Phrasal Verb Carry out

In a research laboratory, scientists Arthur and Beatrice are discussing a series of experiments. The dialogue focuses on carry out, which means to perform a task, a piece of work, or an instruction, often following a specific plan or order.

Arthur: We need to carry out the final phase of the clinical trials before we can submit our findings to the medical board.

Beatrice: I agree; if we carry out the procedure correctly, the data should be consistent with our initial hypotheses.

Arthur: I read that the company is planning to carry out a major restructuring of the management team early next year.

Beatrice: I noticed that the maintenance crew was hired to carry out the repairs on the ventilation system during the weekend.

Arthur: If the soldiers fail to carry out their orders precisely, the entire mission could be put at significant risk.

Beatrice: I saw a team of detectives carry out a thorough search of the premises to look for any hidden evidence related to the case.

Arthur: It’s important to carry out a risk assessment before starting any high-voltage electrical work in the factory.

Beatrice: I agree; once we carry out the necessary safety checks, we can proceed with the installation without any worries.

Arthur: I’m going to carry out a survey of the local residents to see how they feel about the new park proposal.

Beatrice: Good luck; once you carry out the interviews, we’ll have a much better understanding of the community's needs.

Phrases Containing the Phrasal Verb Carry Out

The phrases below show how the phrasal verb carry out is used to talk about performing tasks, completing plans, or executing instructions in both formal and everyday contexts.

Carry out a plan

To complete something that was planned.

The team worked together efficiently to carry out a plan that had been carefully designed over several months.

Carry out an experiment

To perform a scientific test.

The researchers carried out an experiment to determine how temperature affects the reaction rate.

Carry out instructions

To follow directions.

Employees are expected to carry out instructions precisely to ensure safety and accuracy.

Carry out a task

To complete a job.

She carried out the task with great attention to detail and professionalism.

Carry out research

To conduct a study.

The university carried out research to better understand climate change patterns.

Carry out a decision

To implement a choice.

Once the board approved the proposal, management carried out the decision without delay.

Carry out duties

To fulfill responsibilities.

Every officer must carry out duties with integrity and fairness.

Carry out an investigation

To conduct a formal inquiry.

The authorities carried out an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

Carry out a survey

To collect information from people.

The company carried out a survey to measure customer satisfaction levels.

Carry out an order

To execute a command.

The soldiers carried out the order promptly and without hesitation.

Carry out responsibilities

To perform assigned roles.

Parents carry out responsibilities to ensure their children grow up in a supportive environment.

Carry out a project

To complete a structured task.

The team carried out the project successfully despite tight deadlines.

Carry out maintenance

To perform servicing work.

Technicians carried out maintenance checks to prevent equipment failure.

Carry out reforms

To implement changes.

The government carried out reforms to improve the education system.

Carry out a procedure

To perform a process.

The medical team carried out the procedure with precision and care.

Carry out an assignment

To complete schoolwork or tasks.

Students must carry out the assignment according to the provided guidelines.

Carry out a mission

To accomplish an objective.

The rescue team carried out the mission under extremely challenging conditions.

Carry out improvements

To implement enhancements.

The company carried out improvements based on customer feedback.

Carry out inspections

To perform safety checks.

Engineers carried out inspections to ensure structural stability.

Carry out operations

To execute organized actions.

The organization carried out operations smoothly thanks to careful coordination.

Words Rhyme with carry out

marry the shout
tarry about
parry the scout
harry the doubt
berry the trout
cherry the bout
merry the snout
very the gout
bury the route
ferry the spout
out
about
shout
scout
doubt
trout
bout
snout
gout
route
spout
stout
clout
flout
without
throughout
devout
redoubt
dropout
turnout
POS: Verb Phrase