carrying out boxes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carrying out boxes" is not correct in standard English usage.
It may be intended to describe the action of transporting or moving boxes, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "He was busy carrying out boxes from the storage room to the truck."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They executed a search warrant of the premises and could be seen carrying out boxes of documents from the office.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, men dressed in civilian suits were carrying out boxes.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Hiring a mover can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the time of year, the size of your home and whether or not they are a full-service mover or a company that just carries out boxes that you've already packed.

Huffington Post

Carrying out those pizza boxes like they are overpriced bottles of liquor destroys the lines between highbrow and lowbrow, turning that splashy, sparkler-enhanced show of conspicuous consumption that plagues every VIP club into a joke.

Vice

There are two counters; everything is served in carry-out boxes but can also be eaten inside.

The Guardian - Travel

One friend announced her status as In a Relationship with Chinese Food, whose profile picture was a carry-out box and whose personal information personified the cuisine of China.

The New York Times

For the pie dish you may want to use a carry-out box.

WikiHow

Instead, the government was accused of carrying out massive ballot box stuffing of Pashtun votes that made it appear that millions of Pashtuns had voted and gave Mr Karzai an undisputed advantage against Mr Abdullah.

BBC

November 12: FBI agents raid the upscale home of Paula Broadwell, carrying out her Mac and boxes of documents.

The Guardian

When we arrived, the green metal tackle box was carried out of the car along with the poles.

The New York Times - Travel

We carried out an "out-of-the-box" evaluation of each text de-identification system, using their default configuration.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the movement of boxes, prefer the more direct and standard phrase "moving boxes" or "transporting boxes". This ensures clarity and avoids awkward phrasing.

Common error

Do not use "carrying out boxes" when you mean simply moving or transporting them. This phrase is not standard English and can confuse readers. Stick to simpler, more common alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carrying out boxes" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrasing is awkward and unclear. It's intended to describe the action of transporting boxes, but there are more standard alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

17%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "carrying out boxes" is understandable, it is considered awkward and not grammatically correct in standard English. Ludwig AI suggests that phrases like "moving boxes" or "transporting boxes" are more appropriate and clear. The phrase appears in news, media, and scientific contexts, but its use should be avoided in favor of more direct alternatives, especially in formal writing. When clarity and conciseness are crucial, choosing a more standard phrasing will improve communication and prevent confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving boxes

Replaces the verb phrase "carrying out" with a more direct and common verb, "moving".

transporting boxes

Substitutes "carrying out" with "transporting", emphasizing the organized movement of boxes.

relocating boxes

Suggests a more significant or permanent shift in the boxes' location.

shifting boxes

Implies a slight or less formal movement of the boxes.

transferring boxes

Highlights the action of moving boxes from one place to another.

hauling boxes

Suggests a laborious effort in moving the boxes, often over a distance.

lugging boxes

Similar to hauling, but typically emphasizes the weight or bulkiness of the boxes.

carting boxes

Implies using a cart or vehicle to assist in moving the boxes.

removing boxes

Focuses on the act of taking boxes away from a location.

delivering boxes

Emphasizes the final step of bringing boxes to a specific destination.

FAQs

What's a more natural way to say "carrying out boxes"?

Instead of "carrying out boxes", consider using phrases like "moving boxes" or "transporting boxes", which are clearer and more common.

Is "carrying out boxes" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "carrying out boxes" is not considered standard English. It's better to opt for more direct alternatives like "relocating boxes" depending on the context.

When is it acceptable to use the phrase "carrying out boxes"?

Although "carrying out boxes" appears in some contexts, particularly in informal writing, it is advisable to use alternative phrasings in professional or academic settings.

What's the difference between "carrying out boxes" and "moving boxes"?

"Moving boxes" is a more straightforward and widely accepted way to describe the act of shifting boxes from one place to another. "Carrying out boxes" sounds awkward and should generally be avoided.