carry out (a task)
Meaning(s)
1. complete a task or request
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
carry out the plan/my instructions/work
Analysis
If you 'carry out' a task or an order, it means to complete or engage in a task or request. You might 'carry out' an order that is given to you: "I have carried out all of my orders for the afternoon. Do you have any other instructions for me?" You can 'carry out' a task that has been assigned to you: "Sheila has carried out all of the design work we asked for and is ready to share it with us." In the medical and scientific community, you might need to 'carry out tests' or 'carry out research.' 'Carry out' is a phrasal verb that has many applications related to completing tasks and is used in social and professional contexts.
Social Examples (Advance)
- It was not possible to enter my apartment building while the police were carrying out their investigation into the death of a resident. It seems as though they suspect foul play.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Lucy provided members of her staff with a plan to follow and made it clear to them that she expected her instructions to be carried out to the letter.
- Drawing up legal contracts is not where my strengths lie, but I carried out the work to the best of my abilities.