Carryout vs. Carry Out
“Carryout” is a regional closed noun/adjective for takeaway food, while “carry out” is the two-word phrasal verb meaning to perform or complete something. The distinction is both grammatical and regional.
Use “carryout” in the regional noun/adjective sense for takeaway food. Use “carry out” as the verb meaning to perform or complete a task, instruction, plan, or other action.
Key details
Choose the right form
| If you mean / need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| takeaway food or a takeaway-food business/description in the documented regional use | carryout | Cambridge labels the closed noun/adjective as US or Scottish English. |
| to perform or complete a task, instruction, plan, test, or other action | carry out | Cambridge records the phrasal verb as two words. |
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the documented noun or modifier form when naming a thing, result, event, or concept; use the spaced form when the words function as a verb.
Fast Test
If the expression can take ordinary verb tense or inflection in the sentence, the spaced verb form is usually the relevant choice.
Variant Boundary
Cambridge labels closed “carryout” as US or Scottish English for takeaway food; “carry out” is the two-word phrasal verb meaning to perform or complete something.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Carryout — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Regional closed noun/adjective “carryout” for takeaway food
- Carry out — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Two-word phrasal verb “carry out” for performing or completing an action, task, order, or plan