What Does “Carry sth through” Mean?
“Carry sth through” means to successfully complete or finish something difficult or challenging, especially a plan or task.
Introduction
The phrase “carry sth through” is a useful phrasal verb in English that means to continue and complete a task, plan, or promise despite difficulties. It often implies determination and effort to see something until the end. Understanding the carry sth through meaning helps learners express perseverance and success in various situations. Whether you are talking about finishing a project, keeping a promise, or overcoming obstacles, this phrasal verb is very common in both spoken and written English. In this guide, you will learn how to use “carry sth through” correctly with examples and tips to improve your English skills.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: carry something through
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to complete or finish something difficult successfully
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Carry sth through” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (something) between “carry” and “through” or after the whole phrase.
- carry something through
- carry through something
Example:
- She carried the plan through successfully.
- She carried through the plan successfully.
How to Use “Carry sth through”?
Use “carry sth through” when you want to talk about completing a difficult task or fulfilling a promise. It often emphasizes overcoming obstacles and not giving up. This phrasal verb is commonly used in formal and informal contexts, especially in work, school, or personal goals.
Common verbs or nouns that go with “carry sth through” are: plan, promise, project, task, idea, or challenge.
Examples
- They carried the project through despite many problems.
- It was hard, but she carried her promise through to the end.
- The team carried the plan through with great teamwork.
- He managed to carry the idea through to success.
- We need to carry this task through before the deadline.
These examples show how “carry sth through” is used in real sentences.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: She carried through the promise.
Correct: She carried the promise through. - Incorrect: They carry through the project.
Correct: They carry the project through.
Remember, the object usually goes between “carry” and “through” for clarity.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include:
- Follow through: to complete an action or promise; similar but often focuses on continuing an action rather than the entire process.
- See something through: to continue and complete something difficult; very close in meaning to carry sth through.
- Pull through: to survive a difficult situation, often health-related; different because it focuses on recovery.
While “carry sth through” emphasizes finishing a task, “follow through” focuses on commitment, and “see through” highlights persistence.
Common Collocations
- carry a plan through
- carry a promise through
- carry a project through
- carry a task through
- carry an idea through
- carry a challenge through
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of carry sth through:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Are you sure you can finish the project on time?
Tom: Yes, I will carry it through, no matter what.
Anna: That’s great! I trust you’ll see it through successfully.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of “carry sth through”:
- Despite the difficulties, they managed to _______ the plan _______.
- He promised to help and actually _______ his promise _______.
- We need to _______ this task _______ before the deadline.
FAQs
- Q: Can “carry sth through” be used in informal English?
A: Yes, it is used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Q: Is “carry sth through” separable?
A: Yes, you can separate the verb and the particle by the object.
- Q: What is the difference between “carry sth through” and “follow through”?
A: “Carry sth through” focuses on completing a task, while “follow through” emphasizes commitment to an action.
- Q: Can “carry sth through” be used for promises?
A: Yes, it is common to say “carry a promise through.”
- Q: What level is “carry sth through” suitable for?
A: It is best for B2 (Upper-Intermediate) learners and above.
