What are the definitions of “carry forward”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Include a figure in a later calculation.
They CARRIED FORWARD their losses to the next financial year.
- 2Make something progress.
They hope the new management will be able to CARRY the project FORWARD.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “carry forward”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb carry forward is to include a figure or amount in a later calculation, often in financial contexts. For example, it can mean moving a balance from one accounting period to the next or transferring an unused tax allowance to a future year.
What are the different verb forms of “carry forward”?
| Root Verb | carry forward |
| Third Person Singular Present | carries forward |
| Present Participle | carrying forward |
| Simple Past | carried forward |
| Past Participle | carried forward |
Example
The company decided to carry forward the unused budget to the next quarter.
Example
She carries forward the remaining vacation days to the next year.
Example
He is carrying forward the losses from last year to offset future profits.
Example
They carried forward the project to the next phase.
Example
The unused funds were carried forward to the following year's budget.
What kind of phrasal verb is “carry forward”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“carry forward” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The accountant carried forward the balance to the next month.
Example
The team carried the project forward to the next stage.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“carry forward” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The accountant carried forward the balance to the next month.
Example
The team carried the project forward to the next stage.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “carry forward”?
Good things to know
Does “carry forward” have an informal or formal tone?
Carry forward is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in financial and business settings, as well as in everyday conversations.
