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
| Meaning / situation | Construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| regional noun/adjective referring to food taken away | carryout | use the closed form where that regional usage applies |
| perform, execute, or complete an action | carry out | use the two-word verb |
Quick tests
Word-class test
Can the expression be inflected as a verb, as in “carried out” or “carrying out”?
If yes: Use the two-word verb “carry out.”
If no: If it is the regional food noun/adjective, “carryout” may be correct.
Caveat: “Carryout” is region- and sense-sensitive; do not use it as a universal replacement for the verb.
Examples
The team will carry out the inspection tomorrow.
The expression is a verb meaning perform.
The inspection was carried out yesterday.
The verb remains two words when inflected.
We ordered carryout for dinner.
“Carryout” can be a regional noun for takeaway food.
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