carrying up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carrying up" is not commonly used in standard written English and may be considered incorrect or awkward.
It could potentially be used in specific contexts, such as describing the action of lifting or moving something to a higher position, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "He was carrying up the boxes to the second floor."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is capable of carrying up to 167 passengers.

The Guardian

* The cruise ship MS Queen Elizabeth launches, capable of carrying up to 2,092 passengers.

Independent

Ultimately Mr. Nisanyan faced nine charges, each carrying up to three years in prison.

The New York Times

Half are porters carrying up to 500 units of heroin, the other half are soldiers".

The New York Times - Magazine

Just look what the water's carrying up this four-armed river!

The New Yorker

"The sherpa guides were carrying up equipment and other necessities for climbers when the disaster happened," he said.

Independent

LS3, a dog-like robot, trots behind a human over rough terrain, carrying up to 180kg of supplies.

The Economist

The system is intended to follow a soldier in the field, carrying up to 400 pounds of equipment.

The New York Times - Science

Unlike other points along the Spanish coastline – where larger boats carrying up to 60 migrants arrive – it's mostly inflatable dinghies.

The Guardian

A restaurant in Singapore has used drones to wait tables, carrying up to 2kg of food and drink.

The Guardian - Tech

"The sherpa guides were carrying up equipment and other necessities for climbers, when the disaster happened," Sapkota said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "carrying up" in your writing, consider whether a more precise term like "transporting" or "lifting" might improve clarity. While not strictly incorrect, "carrying up" can sometimes sound less formal or slightly awkward in certain contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "carrying up" in highly formal documents or academic papers where a more sophisticated or precise vocabulary is expected. Opt for stronger verbs that convey the specific action more clearly, such as "elevating", "transporting", or "hoisting".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "carrying up" functions primarily to describe the action of transporting something to a higher position or elevation. It is often used in contexts where physical effort or logistical movement is involved, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "carrying up" is a frequently used phrasal verb, it's not always the most precise or formal choice. Ludwig AI points out that it is not commonly used in standard written English and may be considered incorrect or awkward. It generally describes the action of transporting something to a higher location. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "transporting upwards", "lifting upwards", or "elevating". When aiming for clarity and precision in writing, evaluating the context and choosing a more specific verb can significantly enhance the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transporting upwards

Emphasizes the act of moving something to a higher location.

lifting upwards

Focuses on the action of raising something, often with effort.

bringing aloft

Implies carrying something into the air or to a higher level.

hoisting up

Suggests raising something with a mechanical aid or considerable effort.

raising high

Highlights the act of elevating something to a significant height.

ascending with

Describes the action of moving upwards while holding or transporting something.

elevating

Focuses on the act of increasing the height or level of something.

hauling up

Implies pulling something heavy or bulky to a higher position.

ferrying upwards

Suggests transporting something repeatedly to a higher location.

channeling upwards

Used metaphorically for conveying something to a higher level or status.

FAQs

How can I use "carrying up" in a sentence?

You can use "carrying up" to describe physically transporting something to a higher location, as in "The sherpa guides were carrying up equipment". However, consider if more precise terms like "transporting upwards" or "lifting upwards" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "carrying up" and "lifting up"?

"Carrying up" generally implies moving something while supporting it, whereas "lifting up" specifically emphasizes the action of raising something. Both phrases can be used to describe moving items to a higher location, but the nuance changes based on the emphasis.

Is "carrying up" grammatically correct?

Ludwig AI suggests that "carrying up" may not be standard written English and can sound awkward. While understandable, consider more formal alternatives like "transporting upwards" or "bringing aloft" for improved clarity and formality.

What can I say instead of "carrying up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "transporting upwards", "lifting upwards", or "bringing aloft". The best choice depends on the specific action and desired level of formality.