carry forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"carry forward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You might use it when referring to taking an idea beyond its current point, such as continuing a discussion, taking an action, or introducing something new. Example: "The team will carry forward their plan for expansion into the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"We will carry forward the struggle".

The New Yorker

Homework: Each group decides on 3 ideas to carry forward.

Stanford University

Few characters carry forward from one incident to the next.

The New York Times - Books

You carry forward a history and legacy that must not be forgotten.

University of California, Berkeley

Having one additional year to carry forward losses increased risk-taking by a more modest 2.3%.

Stanford University

Figuring out what to leave behind and what to carry forward can be tough work.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

When the rate is negotiated before the carry-forward adjustment is determined, the carry-forward amount may be applied to the next subsequent rate negotiation.

Cornell University

This is known as a tax-loss carry-forward, and it isn't remotely controversial.

The New York Times

The recovery strategy of CAIR is based on the idea of store-carry-forward.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Figure 18 Store-carry-forward cases for vehicles driving in opposite direction.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

A few works apply the store-carry-forward mechanism specifically for VANETs [5 7, 25, 26].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, use "carry forward" to clearly indicate the continuation of a research theme, argument, or methodology in subsequent studies or sections. This helps maintain coherence and shows a clear intellectual lineage.

Common error

Avoid using "carry forward" as a generic synonym for "continue". It implies a more specific transfer or progression, not just a general continuation. For general continuity, phrases like "continue", "proceed", or "maintain" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carry forward" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively. It signifies the act of transferring or continuing something from one point to another, whether it's a physical object, an idea, a value, or a financial balance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "carry forward" is a versatile verb phrase that signifies the transfer or continuation of something from one point to another. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase in English. It appears most commonly in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, reflecting a neutral to professional register. While it can be used in various situations, it’s important to avoid using "carry forward" loosely as a substitute for "continue" and to ensure it accurately conveys the sense of transfer or progression. The related phrases such as "bring forward" and "pass on" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take forward

Emphasizes the act of advancing or progressing a plan, project or idea.

bring forward

Emphasizes introducing something new or making it more prominent for discussion or action.

move ahead with

Focuses on the decision to proceed with a project or plan, typically after a period of consideration.

pass on

Focuses on the act of transmitting something, like information or a tradition, to the next stage or generation.

advance

Highlights the action of causing something to progress or develop.

continue with

Highlights the uninterrupted progression of an activity or plan.

build upon

Suggests adding to an existing foundation to achieve further development or enhancement.

maintain

Focuses on keeping something in its current state, preventing it from declining or disappearing.

sustain

Emphasizes maintaining something over a period of time, often referring to efforts to keep it going.

extend

Focuses on prolonging the duration or reach of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "carry forward" to indicate the continuation of something, such as a plan, a balance, or a tradition. For example, "We will "carry forward" the lessons learned from this project into the next phase."

What's the difference between "carry forward" and "bring forward"?

"Carry forward" typically means to transfer something to a future time or stage, while "bring forward" means to introduce or advance something for discussion or action. The former implies continuation, the latter, initiation.

Which is more appropriate, "carry forward" or "continue with"?

While both imply continuation, "carry forward" suggests a specific transfer of something tangible or intangible to a later point. "Continue with" is a more general term for proceeding without interruption.

What can I say instead of ""carry forward"" in a financial context?

In a financial context, you might use alternatives such as "roll over", "defer", or "transfer", depending on the specific accounting or financial operation involved.