carry

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "carry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning to take from one place to another, to support, or to bear. For example: She carried the groceries home from the store.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was difficult to continue with competing but I tried to carry on".

The Guardian

The guards started to pull us out of the plane.... Stop!" I couldn't walk, for my feet were unable to carry me.

The Guardian

At six weeks pregnant, she found a trusted doctor known among her circle of friends who would carry out abortions from his clinic in a hospital.

The Guardian

Both have given me the motivation and confidence to carry on my work and to spread the message on to other people.

The Guardian

He is understood to have been offered another deal to carry on posing the questions to contestants facing him in the infamous black chair.

The Guardian

I listened but could not carry her message.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In his first campaign speech, Sabbahi also claimed to carry the flame for Egypt's revolution – a mantra that implicitly positions Sisi as the establishment figure.

The Guardian

Network Rail has warned that meaningful cuts in its budget can only come at the expense of a smaller railway that will have to carry fewer passengers than the 1.3bn journeys it managed in 2009.

The Guardian

His three goals were not enough to carry Russia out of the group phase but a big career and a big move seemed inevitable.

The Guardian - Sport

The violent seizure of white-owned farms in the 2000s, they argue, was a historic reclaiming of land from the legacy of colonialism, an act that South Africa and other post-independence governments have not dared carry out.

The Guardian

We will return to carry out further inspections at the trust and we are working urgently with Monitor to resolve these issues.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, clarify what is being "carried" if the context doesn't make it obvious. For example, specify "carry the message" instead of just "carry".

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "carry" as a generic verb. Replace it with more precise alternatives like "conduct", "implement", or "execute" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "carry" is as a verb, indicating an action of transporting, supporting, or conveying something. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples, illustrating its versatile application across various contexts. It can also function as a noun referring to a manner of transporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "carry" is a versatile verb with multiple meanings, primarily relating to transporting, supporting, or conveying. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically sound, consider using more specific verbs for enhanced clarity. As Ludwig's AI response indicates, "carry" is a common and acceptable word in English, but thoughtful word choice can elevate your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transport

Emphasizes the act of moving something from one place to another.

bear

Focuses on supporting or holding something.

convey

Highlights the act of communicating or expressing something.

support

Stresses the idea of providing assistance or holding up.

sustain

Indicates maintaining or keeping something in existence.

manage

Implies handling or dealing with something effectively.

execute

Focuses on performing or carrying out a task.

undertake

Highlights the act of committing to or beginning a task.

conduct

Emphasizes the manner of performing or organizing something.

operate

Indicates functioning or controlling something.

FAQs

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

The word "carry" can be used in various contexts. For example, it can mean to transport something, as in "She had to carry the heavy boxes upstairs". It can also mean to support or bear, as in "The bridge is designed to carry heavy loads". Additionally, "carry" can refer to transmitting something, such as "The wind can carry the scent of flowers for miles".

What are some synonyms for "carry" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "transport", "bear", "convey", "support", or "sustain" as alternatives to "carry".

When should I use "carry out" instead of just "carry"?

"Carry out" is a phrasal verb that means to perform or execute a task or plan. Use "carry out" when you want to emphasize the act of completing something, such as "The company will carry out a thorough investigation".

What does it mean when someone says they "carry themselves" a certain way?

When someone says they "carry themselves" in a particular manner, it refers to their behavior, posture, and general demeanor. It describes how they present themselves to others, such as "She carries herself with confidence".