carry out research
To conduct or perform a systematic investigation to establish facts or reach new conclusions.
readingwriting-task-2Science and researchEducation
IELTS use
Essential for describing scientific studies, academic projects, and evidence-based arguments in task 2 essays and reading passages.
Examples
- Researchers carried out research into the effects of sleep on memory consolidation.
- Before writing an essay, it is important to carry out research using credible sources.
- The government should fund universities to carry out research on renewable energy.
Collocations
- carry out research on
- Scientists carried out research on the impact of plastic pollution on marine life.
- carry out research into
- A team of biologists is carrying out research into new treatments for cancer.
- carry out research to determine
- The study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of the new vaccine.
- carry out extensive research
- Before making a policy decision, the government should carry out extensive research.
Paraphrases
- conduct research: More formal; very common in academic writing.
- undertake research: Slightly more formal; suitable for task 2.
- perform research: Also correct, though less frequent.
Common mistakes
- make research to carry out research. The verb 'make' is not used with 'research'; use 'carry out', 'conduct', or 'do'.
- carry out a research to carry out research. Research is uncountable; do not use 'a'.
- carry out researches to carry out research. Research is uncountable and does not have a plural form.