carry off

USAGE SUMMARY

'carry off' is correct and usable in written English.
It means to move, bring, or take away something. For example, "He carried off the trophy after winning the tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't carry off the wrong impression.

The New Yorker

Could I carry off a panther?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A thief can carry off your PC.

The New York Times - Tech

We laid a plan to carry off Juliet.

Columbia University

This is a more complicated trick to carry off.

Independent

Not a look many of us could carry off.

Independent

Pirithous later helped Theseus to carry off the child Helen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Few dons could carry off such an excuse.

The Economist

But with Facebook and Instagram, they're harder to carry off.

The New York Times

It's not an easy look to carry off.

The Guardian - Tech

Easy to say but less easy to carry off.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the removal of something, particularly by force or stealth, "carry off" is appropriate. Example: "The thieves carried off the priceless jewels."

Common error

Avoid using "carry off" simply to mean "transport" in neutral contexts. While it can mean to transport something, it often implies a surreptitious or skillful removal, or a successful execution of a task. Use a more neutral term like "move" or "transport" if the context doesn't involve these connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "carry off" primarily functions as a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object. It describes the action of successfully executing something difficult or removing something, often with skill or stealth. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples of both senses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "carry off" is a versatile term with two primary meanings: to succeed in executing something difficult or to remove something, often with skill or stealth. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's commonly used in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources. When choosing "carry off", consider its connotations to ensure it aligns with your intended message. Use alternatives like "pull off" or "manage to" if a different nuance is desired. Avoiding misuse involves being mindful of the context and selecting synonyms when appropriate. "Carry off" is considered grammatically correct and sees very common use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pull off

Emphasizes the successful completion of something challenging.

bring off

Focuses on the successful execution of a plan or task.

manage

Highlights the ability to handle or accomplish something.

achieve

Stresses the attainment of a desired outcome.

succeed in

Indicates the successful outcome of an effort or endeavor.

accomplish

Implies the completion of a task or goal.

negotiate

Suggests skillfully maneuvering through a situation.

bear away

Focuses on the act of taking something away, often by force or skill.

bear off

Emphasizes diverging or winning.

take away

Focuses on removing or subtracting something.

FAQs

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

"Carry off" can be used in various contexts. For instance, "She managed to "carry off" the complex dance routine flawlessly", or "The hawk attempted to "carry off" the small rodent".

What does it mean to "carry off" a performance?

To ""carry off"" a performance means to execute it successfully and impressively, often despite potential challenges or difficulties. It suggests a confident and skillful execution.

What are some alternatives to "carry off" when describing success?

Alternatives to ""carry off"" include "pull off", "bring off", "succeed in", or "manage to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, "She managed to "pull off" the impossible task".

When is it appropriate to use "carry off" instead of "take away"?

"Carry off" is more appropriate when the action involves overcoming a challenge, a sense of stealth, or skill in taking something away. "Take away" is a more general term for simply removing something. You might say, "The magician carried off the trick flawlessly", whereas you'd say, "Please take away these dishes".