transitive phrasal verb used for executing actions formally.

to convey precise, authoritative commands or procedures in academic, professional, or official contexts.

during laboratory experiments, completing surveys or questionnaires, fulfilling job duties, implementing plans or protocols.

academic research settings, corporate/industry environments, government/military operations, formal instruction manuals.

carry out

carry out

an investigation, a survey, the order to be executed, repairs or upkeep tasks.

• thoroughly
• successfully
• as instructed
• accurately
• per protocol.

• conduct
• execute
• implement
• perform.

using ‘carry’ alone without specifying what is being carried; using ‘carry on’ which means continue rather than complete an action.

carry off (manage something effectively) vs. steal/carry away; contrast with ‘make’, which can imply creation or production but not necessarily completion of a prescribed task.

Avoid translating from languages where the verb for execution might be different (e.g., German ‘durchführen’) as learners may misuse idiomatic equivalents like ‘do’ which lacks formal tone.

• carry-out (noun
• takeaway food – US)

Carry out conveys a sense of completing a predefined, often regulated procedure and is preferred in professional/formal registers over informal verbs such as do.

Signals authority, precision, and adherence to established procedures, enhancing credibility in academic and workplace communications.

‘We need to carry out a risk assessment.’

The phrasal verb 'carry out' is essential in formal and professional settings, particularly in contexts requiring precise execution of tasks or procedures. It's crucial for learners to understand the separable nature of this verb and the importance of specifying the object it acts upon, distinguishing it from similar verbs like 'carry on' which has a distinct meaning.

execute