carry
To hold something or someone and move them from one place to another. This usually involves using your hands, arms, or a vehicle to support the weight of the object while moving.
Examples
3 of 5Can you help me carry these heavy grocery bags to the car?
Can you help me move these heavy grocery bags to the car?
The diplomat was chosen to carry the official message to the president.
The diplomat was chosen to deliver the official message to the president.
I'll carry your books for you if you want.
I will hold and move your books for you if you want.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'CAR'—it 'CARries' people and luggage from one place to another.
Quick Quiz
The boxes are very heavy; can you help me ___ them?
Correct!
The correct answer is: carry
Examples
Can you help me carry these heavy grocery bags to the car?
everydayCan you help me move these heavy grocery bags to the car?
The diplomat was chosen to carry the official message to the president.
formalThe diplomat was chosen to deliver the official message to the president.
I'll carry your books for you if you want.
informalI will hold and move your books for you if you want.
Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the entire body.
academicRed blood cells transport oxygen throughout the entire body.
Our retail stores no longer carry that particular model of laptop.
businessOur retail stores no longer stock or sell that particular model of laptop.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
carry on
to continue doing something
carry out
to perform or complete a task
get carried away
to become too excited or lose control
Often Confused With
'Bring' focuses on movement toward the speaker, while 'carry' describes the general act of holding and moving regardless of direction.
'Take' often emphasizes the destination (moving away from the speaker), whereas 'carry' emphasizes the physical effort of holding the object.
Usage Notes
Use 'carry' when you are supporting the weight of something while moving. In a business context, it can also mean that a shop keeps a specific item in stock for sale.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget that 'carry' ends in 'y', so the past tense changes to 'carried' (y to i).
Memory Tip
Think of a 'CAR'—it 'CARries' people and luggage from one place to another.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French word 'carier', which means to transport in a vehicle or carriage.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, it is considered polite to offer to carry heavy items for the elderly or for someone who has their hands full.
Quick Quiz
The boxes are very heavy; can you help me ___ them?
Correct!
The correct answer is: carry
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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