carry out orders

USAGE SUMMARY

'carry out orders' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of executing instructions or commands. For example: The soldiers were expected to carry out orders without any questions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Many assume the finance ministry will mainly carry out orders from the prime minister's office.

The Economist

It's strange watching police officers consistently carry out orders they purport to disagree with.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The people elected us to make decisions for them — not to carry out orders from the state".

The New York Times

I'm just a soldier, you just carry out orders … I told the commander there were people around.

The Guardian

History shows that at some point ordinary policemen will refuse to carry out orders to kill fellow citizens.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was heartening to read about the instances in which soldiers questioned or refused to carry out orders to kill.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

He does his duty and carries out orders".

The New York Times - Magazine

The statute of limitations has run out for those who merely carried out orders.

The Economist

"There's a cut-out between those giving and those carrying out orders.

The Economist

One said: "Damian never carried out orders the way anyone expected.

The Guardian

He shocked Paris and Algiers calling the torture efficient and saying he was only carrying out orders.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "carry out orders" when emphasizing obedience and compliance with a hierarchical structure.

Common error

Avoid using "carry out orders" when the action is self-directed or based on personal initiative; this phrase implies external direction and control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carry out orders" functions as a verb phrase where "carry out" acts as a phrasal verb indicating execution or implementation, and "orders" serves as the direct object, specifying what is being executed. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "carry out orders" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that means to execute commands or instructions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. It frequently appears in news and media, conveying obedience to authority. While applicable in various contexts, it implies an external direction, making alternatives like "discharge duties" more appropriate for self-directed actions. Remember to maintain clarity regarding who gives and executes the orders to prevent any ambiguity. In short, "carry out orders" is a clear and effective phrase for expressing the fulfillment of commands.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

execute commands

This alternative replaces "carry out" with "execute", emphasizing the act of performing or implementing commands.

obey directives

This alternative stresses the element of obedience and compliance when it comes to directives.

follow instructions

This alternative replaces "orders" with "instructions" and focuses on adherence to given guidelines.

act on instructions

This alternative replaces "carry out" with "act on", emphasizing the action taken based on instructions.

implement directives

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary, with "implement" replacing "carry out" and "directives" replacing "orders".

adhere to commands

This alternative focuses on the aspect of sticking closely and faithfully to the specified commands.

discharge duties

This alternative focuses on fulfilling responsibilities and obligations, rather than directly following commands.

perform tasks as directed

This alternative highlights the performance of tasks under specific guidance.

fulfill requirements

This alternative shifts the focus to meeting necessary conditions or standards.

enforce regulations

This alternative emphasizes the enforcement aspect, suitable when the orders involve enforcing rules or laws.

FAQs

What does "carry out orders" mean?

The phrase "carry out orders" means to execute or fulfill commands or instructions given by someone in a position of authority. It implies obedience and compliance.

How to use "carry out orders" in a sentence?

You can use "carry out orders" in sentences like, "The soldiers were trained to "execute commands" efficiently" or "Employees are expected to "follow instructions" from their supervisors."

What can I say instead of "carry out orders"?

You can use alternatives like "execute commands", "follow instructions", or "implement directives" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "carry out orders" in a business context?

Yes, "carry out orders" is appropriate in a business context, especially when referring to employees following instructions from management or adhering to company policies. However, using alternatives like "discharge duties" might sound less authoritarian.