I carry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I carry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that you have something with you, whether physically or metaphorically, such as responsibilities or emotions. Example: "I carry the weight of my family's expectations on my shoulders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Will I carry on?

Independent

I carry the candle.

The New Yorker

I carry that.

The New York Times

I carry a camera.

The New York Times

Can I carry the scene?

The New York Times

I carry all the consequences".

The New York Times

Now I carry an EpiPen.

The New York Times

"I carry enough stuff.

The New York Times

I carry on unwrapping.

The Guardian

I carry handkerchief".

The New York Times

I carry no blame.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I carry" to describe habits or items you regularly have with you. For instance, "I carry a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste."

Common error

Avoid using "I carry" when a passive construction is more appropriate. Instead of "I carry influence in the company", use "I wield influence in the company" or "I have influence in the company".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I carry" functions primarily as a declarative statement, where the subject 'I' performs the action of 'carrying'. It signifies possession, transportation, or bearing a burden, both physically and metaphorically. Ludwig AI indicates it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I carry" is a versatile and commonly used expression in English. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and serves to indicate possession, transportation, or the bearing of burdens, both physical and metaphorical. Predominantly found in News & Media, its register is generally neutral, though context may influence formality. When using "I carry", ensure clarity regarding what is being carried, and be mindful of potential redundancies. Alternatives like "I bear" or "I have with me" may offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am carrying

Present continuous form, emphasizing the ongoing nature of carrying.

I have with me

Focuses on physical possession at the moment of speaking.

I am transporting

Implies movement while carrying something.

I possess

Highlights ownership or control, possibly metaphorical.

I bear

Suggests carrying a burden or responsibility, often metaphorical.

I shoulder

Emphasizes taking on responsibility or blame.

I am responsible for

Highlights accountability and duty.

I am laden with

Suggests being heavily burdened, physically or metaphorically.

I transport

Focuses on the act of moving something from one place to another.

I maintain

Highlights the action of holding or bearing the weigth of something.

FAQs

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

Use "I carry" to describe physical possession (e.g., "I carry a backpack") or metaphorical burdens (e.g., "I carry the responsibility for the project's success").

What are some alternatives to "I carry"?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like "I bear", "I have with me", or "I possess".

Is it correct to say "I carry with me"?

While grammatically sound, "I carry with me" can sometimes be redundant. "I carry" is often sufficient, but "I carry it with me always" emphasizes constant possession.

What's the difference between "I carry" and "I am carrying"?

"I carry" generally describes a habitual action or a state of being, while "I am carrying" indicates an action happening now. For example, "I carry my phone everywhere" vs. "I am carrying groceries right now".