1 B2 neutral
To transfer a remaining amount, credit, or balance to the next period (especially in finance or accounting).
"Any unused holiday allowance will be carried over to the following year."
separable
carry over
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To transfer or continue something from one period, place, or context to another.
In plain English
To move something from one time, place, or situation into the next one.
What does "carry over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
For a quality, habit, or effect to continue or persist from one situation or context to another.
"The confidence she gained at drama school carried over into her professional life."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically carry something over to the other side.
Actually means
To move something from one time, place, or situation into the next one.
Usage tip
Common in accounting (carrying over a balance), sport (standings that carry over between seasons), and everyday language (habits that carry over from childhood). Also used as a noun: 'carryover'.
Words that pair with "carry over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
balance debt skills habits points leave
How to conjugate "carry over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
carry over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
carries over
he/she/it
Past simple
carried over
yesterday
Past participle
carried over
have + pp
-ing form
carrying over
continuous
Hear "carry over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "carry over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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