Carry Out – Meaning and Examples

Have you ever followed through on a plan, completed a scientific experiment, or fulfilled a customer’s order? In English, we say you carried it out! This practical phrasal verb means to perform, complete, or put into action a task, instruction, plan, or request—often with care and attention.

What Does “Carry Out” Mean?

“Carry out” means to do or complete something that has been planned, assigned, or ordered. Think of it like taking an idea or instruction and moving it from paper to action. The phrase isn’t about physical carrying; it’s about execution and follow-through—making sure something gets done properly.

When to Use It

Use this phrase in neutral or professional conversations when talking about tasks, research, instructions, or responsibilities. It’s common in workplaces (“The team carried out the audit”), science (“They carried out an experiment”), customer service (“We’ll carry out your request”), and everyday planning. This phrasal verb is slightly formal but widely used in both spoken and written English.

Example Sentences

• The engineers carried out the safety inspection last week.
• She carried out all the steps exactly as instructed.
• Police are carrying out an investigation into the incident.
• We’ll carry out your order as soon as payment is confirmed.

Mini Dialogue

Alex: “Did the IT team fix the server issue?”

Jamie: “Yes, they carried out the update last night. Everything’s running smoothly now.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t use “carry out” for casual or spontaneous actions. It implies intention, planning, or instruction—not just doing something on a whim.

❌ Don’t say: “I carried out a walk in the park.” (Use “went for a walk.”)
✅ Do say: “They carried out a survey to understand customer needs.”

Final Note

Now you can use “carry out” to describe responsible, intentional action with clarity and professionalism! It’s a reliable phrase that shows you don’t just plan—you act. Keep using it—and remember, ideas only matter when you carry them out.