I carried

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I carried" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of holding or transporting something from one place to another in the past tense. Example: "I carried the heavy box up the stairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So I carried on.

Independent

I carried right on.

The New York Times

I carried on.

The New York Times - Sports

I carried a spear.

The New Yorker

I carried her.

The New York Times

I carried little.

The New York Times - Books

I carried the Degas.

The New Yorker

"I carried on regardless.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I carried the cup.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So I carried on accordingly.

The New York Times

I carried Teo very low.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I carried" to describe a past action, ensure the context clearly indicates what was being carried, whether it's a physical object, a responsibility, or an abstract concept.

Common error

Avoid using "I carried" metaphorically if the context doesn't naturally support the image of physical burden or transport. Metaphorical usage should feel natural and not forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I carried" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a past action where the speaker physically or metaphorically transported something. Ludwig shows many examples where this phrase appears in different tenses and contexts, but the basic function remains consistent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I carried" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe a past action of transporting something, either physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and appears frequently in news and media contexts. While it's generally neutral in register, careful attention to context is important to avoid misinterpretations, particularly in metaphorical usage. Consider using alternatives like "I transported" or "I bore" to convey similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I transported

Focuses on the act of moving something or someone from one place to another, similar to carrying but often implying a greater distance or more formal method.

I bore

Emphasizes the act of supporting or enduring something, often with a sense of burden or responsibility.

I conveyed

Suggests the act of communicating or transmitting something, either physically or abstractly.

I toted

Implies carrying something, often something small or light, in a casual or informal manner.

I lugged

Highlights the effort involved in carrying something heavy or cumbersome.

I carted

Suggests transporting something using a cart or similar vehicle.

I advanced

Focuses on moving forward or continuing, often in a metaphorical sense.

I proceeded

Implies continuing a course of action or moving forward in a structured manner.

I sustained

Emphasizes maintaining or supporting something, often in a challenging situation.

I furthered

Suggests contributing to the progress or development of something.

FAQs

How can I use "I carried" in a sentence?

You can use "I carried" to describe the act of physically transporting something (e.g., "I carried the groceries home") or metaphorically to describe bearing a burden (e.g., "I carried the weight of responsibility").

What can I say instead of "I carried"?

You can use alternatives like "I transported", "I bore", or "I conveyed" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I carried on"?

Yes, "I carried on" is a common and correct idiom that means "I continued" or "I persisted". For example, "Despite the difficulties, "I carried on" with the project".

What's the difference between "I carried" and "I was carrying"?

"I carried" implies a completed action in the past, while "I was carrying" implies an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. For example, "I carried the box yesterday" versus "I was carrying the box when I tripped".