All phrasal verbs

carry

/kæri/5 phrasal verbs

The plain verb means to transport or sustain.

Carry on and carry out are the two that matter, and they are easy to keep apart once you see it: carry on = continue (intransitive), carry out = perform a task or an order (transitive).

CARRY ends in a vowel, so a Y glide appears: carry on is “carry-yon”, carry out is “carry-yout”.

Side by side

Every CARRY phrasal verb, with the one line that keeps it apart from its siblings. Tap any one to open it.

Phrasal verbMeansHow to remember it
carry onNo objectcontinue doing somethingON = keep going, no object needed.
carry outSeparableperform a task, plan or orderOUT = you bring the plan into reality.
carry offSeparablesucceed at something difficult; win a prizeOFF = you take the success away with you.
carry overSeparabletransfer to a later periodOVER = across into the next month or year.
carry awaySeparablebecome overexcited — usually 'get carried away'AWAY = your enthusiasm takes you off.
Phrasal verbs with CARRY — what each one means