What Does โCarry sth throughโ Mean?
โCarry sth throughโ means to successfully complete or finish something difficult or challenging, especially a plan or task.
Introduction
The phrase โcarry sth throughโ 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 โcarry sth throughโ 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)
โCarry sth throughโ is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (something) between โcarryโ and โthroughโ 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 โCarry sth throughโ?
Use โcarry sth throughโ 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 โcarry sth throughโ 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 โcarry sth throughโ 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 โcarryโ and โthroughโ 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 โcarry sth throughโ emphasizes finishing a task, โfollow throughโ focuses on commitment, and โsee throughโ 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: Thatโs great! I trust youโll see it through successfully.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of โcarry sth throughโ:
- 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 โcarry sth throughโ be used in informal English?
A: Yes, it is used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Q: Is โcarry sth throughโ separable?
A: Yes, you can separate the verb and the particle by the object.
- Q: What is the difference between โcarry sth throughโ and โfollow throughโ?
A: โCarry sth throughโ focuses on completing a task, while โfollow throughโ emphasizes commitment to an action.
- Q: Can โcarry sth throughโ be used for promises?
A: Yes, it is common to say โcarry a promise through.โ
- Q: What level is โcarry sth throughโ suitable for?
A: It is best for B2 (Upper-Intermediate) learners and above.

