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A2 verb #422 most common 9 min read

conduct

Top 422

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips conduct in 30 Seconds

Explanation conduct in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use the word 'conduct' very often because it is a bit formal. Instead, you usually use simple words like 'do' or 'lead'. However, you might see it in very simple instructions or signs. For example, a teacher might say, 'We will conduct a small test today.' At this level, just remember that 'conduct' is a fancy way to say 'do' a specific activity, like a test or a game. You can think of a 'conductor' on a train—the person who helps the train go and checks the tickets. That person is 'conducting' the train's journey. If you are an A1 learner, don't worry about using this word in every sentence. Just try to recognize it when you see it in a classroom or a simple book. It usually means someone is starting an activity and leading other people through it. It is a helpful word to know if you want to sound a little more grown-up when you talk about your schoolwork or your hobbies.

At the A2 level, you are starting to use more specific verbs to describe your actions. 'Conduct' is a great word to add to your vocabulary now. You can use it when you talk about school projects or simple work tasks. For example, instead of saying 'I did a survey for my class,' you can say 'I conducted a survey.' This sounds much better! You will also hear this word when people talk about music. A person who leads an orchestra is called a conductor, and they 'conduct' the music. You might also hear it in science class when talking about electricity. Some materials, like metal, 'conduct' electricity, which means the electricity can move through them. At A2, you should try to use 'conduct' with words like 'meeting', 'test', 'survey', or 'tour'. It shows that you are moving beyond the most basic English and starting to use words that adults use in professional settings. It's a very useful word for describing how you organize things.

As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using 'conduct' in both speaking and writing. You will encounter it frequently in workplace English and intermediate-level textbooks. At this stage, you should understand the difference between 'conducting an activity' and 'conducting oneself'. For example, you might write in a cover letter that you 'conducted yourself professionally' in your last job. You should also be able to use 'conduct' in the passive voice, which is very common in reports. Instead of saying 'The company conducted a study,' you might write 'A study was conducted by the company.' This is a key skill for B1 learners who want to improve their formal writing. You should also be aware of the pronunciation difference between the verb 'con-DUCT' and the noun 'CON-duct'. Using the correct stress will make you sound much more fluent. B1 is the level where you start to see 'conduct' as a standard tool for describing management, research, and official procedures.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'conduct' with precision in a variety of contexts. You should understand its nuances compared to synonyms like 'execute', 'implement', or 'administer'. For instance, you would 'conduct' a clinical trial but 'implement' a new policy. You should also be familiar with 'conduct' in more abstract or technical senses, such as 'conducting diplomacy' or 'conducting a search'. B2 learners should be able to use the word in complex sentence structures, such as 'The manner in which the investigation was conducted raised several ethical concerns.' This level of English requires you to not only know what the word means but also how it fits into the broader flow of professional and academic discourse. You should also be comfortable with the word family, including 'conductive', 'conductivity', and 'conductor'. At B2, 'conduct' is no longer just a fancy word for 'do'; it is an essential verb for discussing methodology and professional standards in detail.

For C1 learners, 'conduct' is a word that appears in high-level academic papers, legal documents, and sophisticated literature. You should be able to appreciate the subtle stylistic choices involved in using 'conduct' versus other formal verbs. For example, 'conducting an inquiry' suggests a formal, perhaps legal, process, whereas 'carrying out an inquiry' might feel slightly more procedural. You should also be adept at using the reflexive form to discuss complex social and ethical behaviors, such as 'conducting oneself with equanimity in the face of adversity.' At this level, you might also explore the word's use in specialized fields like physics or engineering with ease, discussing the 'conductive properties' of advanced materials. Your use of 'conduct' should be natural and correctly stressed, and you should be able to identify when the word is being used metaphorically. C1 mastery means using 'conduct' to add authority, clarity, and a professional tone to your most complex arguments and descriptions.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'conduct' and all its subtle implications. You can use it to navigate the most formal and sensitive environments, from international diplomacy to high-level scientific research. You understand how 'conduct' can imply a specific type of agency and responsibility. For example, in a legal context, 'conduct' might refer to a specific set of actions that constitute a crime or a breach of contract. You are also capable of using the word in highly creative or rhetorical ways, perhaps using the metaphor of an orchestral conductor to describe a political leader's management of a crisis. Your understanding of the word's etymology (from Latin 'conducere', meaning to lead together) informs your appreciation of its deep-seated sense of guidance and organization. At C2, 'conduct' is a versatile instrument in your linguistic repertoire, used with perfect precision to convey exactly the right level of formality, authority, and technical accuracy in any given situation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

conduct in 30 Seconds

Conduct is a formal verb used to describe organizing and carrying out tasks like surveys, meetings, or scientific experiments with a structured approach.
It is also used in music to describe leading an orchestra and in physics to describe how materials allow heat or electricity to flow.
The word can be used reflexively (conduct oneself) to talk about a person's behavior and professionalism in social or formal settings.
In professional English, 'conduct' is preferred over 'do' or 'make' when referring to official procedures, research, or managed events.

The verb conduct is a versatile and professional word used to describe the act of organizing, managing, or carrying out a specific activity. While it might sound formal, it is a staple in everyday English, especially when discussing work, science, or music. At its core, to conduct something means to be the person in charge of making sure a process happens correctly from start to finish. It implies a level of responsibility and structured planning that simpler words like 'do' or 'make' do not capture.

Professional Management: In a business context, you conduct meetings, interviews, or negotiations. This suggests that you are following a set agenda and guiding the participants toward a goal.

The manager will conduct the annual performance reviews next week to ensure every employee receives constructive feedback.

Scientific Inquiry: Scientists conduct experiments, research, or surveys. Here, the word emphasizes the methodical and controlled nature of the work, where specific steps must be followed to achieve valid results.

Researchers conduct clinical trials to test the safety of new medications before they are released to the public.

Musical Leadership: A conductor leads an orchestra or choir. To conduct in this sense involves using hand gestures or a baton to control the tempo, volume, and entry of different musical sections.

The maestro was invited to conduct the symphony orchestra for the gala opening night.

Students are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and respect during the graduation ceremony.

Furthermore, in the realm of physics, 'conduct' refers to the ability of a material to allow heat or electricity to pass through it. This is a technical usage but follows the same logic of 'carrying' or 'leading' something from one point to another. Whether you are leading a group of people or leading a current of electricity, the essence of the word remains consistent: facilitating a flow or a process.

Copper is widely used in wiring because it can conduct electricity with very little resistance.

Using 'conduct' correctly requires understanding its collocations—the words it naturally hangs out with. Because it is a formal verb, it usually takes a direct object that represents a task, a study, or a behavior. You don't just 'conduct'; you conduct *something*. The structure is typically [Subject] + [conduct] + [Object]. Depending on the tense, the form changes to 'conducts', 'conducting', or 'conducted'.

The 'Conduct a...' Pattern: This is the most common way to use the word. It pairs with nouns like survey, interview, investigation, or tour.

The police will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.

Scientific and Academic Usage: In academic writing, 'conduct' replaces 'do' to sound more objective and professional. You conduct research or conduct an analysis.

We need to conduct more research before we can confirm these findings.

The guide will conduct the visitors through the historical museum.

Reflexive Use (Behavior): When you use 'conduct' with a reflexive pronoun (himself, herself, themselves), it describes how someone acts in a social or professional setting.

He conducted himself with great professionalism during the difficult meeting.

In passive voice, 'conduct' is frequently used to describe how a study or event was managed by an organization. For example, 'The survey was conducted by an independent agency.' This shifts the focus from who did it to the fact that it was done officially. Using 'conduct' in this way adds a layer of authority and formality to your speech and writing, making it ideal for reports, essays, and business communications.

The orchestra was conducted by a world-famous musician from Italy.

'Conduct' is a high-frequency word in professional and academic environments. If you are watching the news, reading a scientific journal, or attending a corporate meeting, you will likely encounter it several times. It serves as a marker of formal English, signaling that the speaker is discussing a structured or official activity. It is less common in very casual, slang-heavy conversations, where people might prefer 'do' or 'run'.

In the News: Journalists use 'conduct' when reporting on government actions or public polls. It adds a sense of legitimacy to the reported events.

The government has decided to conduct a public inquiry into the recent banking scandal.

In the Workplace: Human Resources departments frequently use this word in handbooks and emails regarding procedures and behavior.

All staff members are required to conduct themselves according to the company's code of ethics.

The university will conduct a series of seminars on climate change this semester.

In Science and Technology: Whether it is a lab report or a tech blog, 'conduct' is the go-to verb for testing and experimentation.

Engineers conduct stress tests on building materials to ensure they can withstand earthquakes.

You will also hear 'conduct' in the context of travel and tourism. A 'conducted tour' is one led by a guide. This is a very specific phrase that tells the traveler they will be managed and led through a site, rather than exploring on their own. In all these contexts, 'conduct' conveys a sense of order, leadership, and official status, making it an essential word for anyone navigating professional or academic life in English.

We took a conducted tour of the ancient ruins to learn about their history from an expert.

While 'conduct' is a powerful word, it is easy to misuse if you aren't careful about its grammatical patterns and pronunciation. The most frequent errors involve confusing it with the noun form, using it with the wrong objects, or overusing it in casual situations where a simpler verb would be more appropriate.

Mistake 1: Pronunciation and Part of Speech: English has many words that change their stress depending on whether they are a noun or a verb. 'Conduct' is one of them. As a verb (to lead), say con-DUCT. As a noun (behavior), say CON-duct. Mixing these up can confuse listeners.

Incorrect: He was praised for his good con-DUCT. (Should be CON-duct).
Incorrect: They will CON-duct the test. (Should be con-DUCT).

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Do' or 'Make': While 'conduct' means to do something, you cannot use it for everything. You conduct an experiment, but you don't conduct the dishes. You conduct a meeting, but you don't conduct a cake. It must be a structured activity.

Incorrect: I need to conduct my homework.
Correct: I need to do my homework.

Mistake 3: Missing the Reflexive Pronoun: When talking about behavior, you must use 'conduct' with a reflexive pronoun like 'himself' or 'themselves'. You cannot just say 'He conducted well.'

Incorrect: She conducted very professionally.
Correct: She conducted herself very professionally.

Mistake 4: Over-formality: Using 'conduct' in a casual text to a friend can sound strange or sarcastic. 'I am conducting a trip to the grocery store' sounds like you are pretending to be a scientist. Use 'going to' instead.

Casual: I'm doing a quick survey of what everyone wants for lunch.
Formal: The marketing team will conduct a consumer preference survey.

Finally, be careful with the passive voice. While 'The test was conducted' is correct, ensure the subject is actually something that can be conducted. You wouldn't say 'The water was conducted' unless you are talking about physics and pipes. In general, 'conduct' is a verb that requires a clear, organized process as its object.

To truly master 'conduct', it helps to compare it with its synonyms. While words like 'perform', 'carry out', and 'lead' are similar, they each have unique nuances that make them better suited for specific situations. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most precise word for your message.

Conduct vs. Carry Out: 'Carry out' is a phrasal verb that means the same thing as 'conduct' but is slightly less formal. You can use them interchangeably in most academic contexts, but 'conduct' sounds more authoritative.

Formal: We will conduct the experiment.
Neutral: We will carry out the experiment.

Conduct vs. Perform: 'Perform' is often used for artistic acts (performing a play) or technical tasks (performing surgery). 'Conduct' is better for organizational tasks (conducting a meeting).

The surgeon performed the operation successfully.
The researcher conducted the study over three years.

Conduct vs. Lead: 'Lead' is more general and often refers to people. 'Conduct' is more specific to the process. You lead a team, but you conduct the team's weekly briefing.

She leads the department with confidence.
She conducts the department's strategy sessions.

Conduct vs. Run: 'Run' is the informal version of 'conduct' for businesses or meetings. 'I'm running a meeting' is what you say to a colleague; 'I'm conducting a meeting' is what you write in a formal report.

Informal: He runs the daily stand-up meeting.
Formal: He conducts the daily operational briefings.

Other alternatives include 'execute' (emphasizing the completion of a plan), 'administer' (emphasizing the management of a test or survey), and 'guide' (emphasizing the direction given to people). Choosing 'conduct' usually signals that you want to sound professional, organized, and in control of a specific, named process.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'duke' comes from the same Latin root 'ducere', as a duke was originally a leader or commander.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kənˈdʌkt/

US /kənˈdʌkt/

Second syllable (con-DUCT) for the verb; First syllable (CON-duct) for the noun.

Rhymes With

abduct deduct induct instruct obstruct construct product (partial) viaduct

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable when using it as a verb.
Pronouncing the 'o' too clearly like 'con' instead of a schwa.
Confusing it with 'product' which has a different vowel sound.
Mispronouncing the 'u' as 'oo' instead of 'uh'.
Dropping the final 't' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and textbooks, easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal collocations.

Speaking 4/5

Stress placement is tricky for learners.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

do lead show test work

Learn Next

execute implement administer facilitate coordinate

Advanced

conducive ductile induce deduce conduit

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronouns

He conducted *himself* well.

Passive Voice

The study *was conducted* by experts.

Noun-Verb Stress

To con-DUCT (v) vs. the CON-duct (n).

Collocations

You *conduct* a survey, you don't *make* a survey.

Infinitive of Purpose

They did it *to conduct* research.

Examples by Level

The teacher will conduct a small test today.

Le professeur va mener un petit test aujourd'hui.

Future tense with 'will'.

Can you conduct the visitors to the door?

Pouvez-vous conduire les visiteurs à la porte ?

Using 'conduct' as 'to lead'.

We conduct a meeting every Monday.

Nous tenons une réunion tous les lundis.

Present simple for a habit.

He wants to conduct the school band.

Il veut diriger l'orchestre de l'école.

Infinitive after 'wants to'.

They conduct a tour of the park.

Ils organisent une visite du parc.

Simple present tense.

She will conduct the interview.

Elle va mener l'entretien.

Future tense with 'will'.

Please conduct yourself well at the party.

S'il vous plaît, comportez-vous bien à la fête.

Imperative with reflexive pronoun.

Does this metal conduct heat?

Est-ce que ce métal conduit la chaleur ?

Question form in present simple.

We conducted a survey to find out people's favorite food.

Nous avons mené une enquête pour découvrir la nourriture préférée des gens.

Past simple tense.

The guide conducted us through the old city.

Le guide nous a conduits à travers la vieille ville.

Past simple tense.

The scientist is conducting an experiment in the lab.

Le scientifique mène une expérience dans le laboratoire.

Present continuous tense.

How do you conduct a business meeting?

Comment menez-vous une réunion d'affaires ?

Question with 'how' and 'do'.

The orchestra was conducted by a famous man.

L'orchestre était dirigé par un homme célèbre.

Passive voice in past simple.

You must conduct yourself properly in class.

Vous devez vous comporter correctement en classe.

Modal verb 'must' for obligation.

Copper is used to conduct electricity.

Le cuivre est utilisé pour conduire l'électricité.

Passive voice followed by an infinitive.

They are conducting a search for the lost dog.

Ils mènent une recherche pour le chien perdu.

Present continuous tense.

The company decided to conduct a review of its safety policies.

L'entreprise a décidé de mener une révision de ses politiques de sécurité.

Infinitive after 'decided to'.

He conducted himself with great dignity during the trial.

Il s'est comporté avec une grande dignité pendant le procès.

Reflexive verb in past simple.

The research was conducted over a period of six months.

La recherche a été menée sur une période de six mois.

Passive voice with a time expression.

The museum conducts tours in five different languages.

Le musée organise des visites dans cinq langues différentes.

Present simple for a service.

She was invited to conduct the national symphony.

Elle a été invitée à diriger la symphonie nationale.

Passive voice followed by an infinitive.

We need to conduct an interview with the new candidate.

Nous devons mener un entretien avec le nouveau candidat.

Modal phrase 'need to'.

The wires conduct electricity to the entire building.

Les fils conduisent l'électricité à tout le bâtiment.

Present simple for a fact.

They conducted a series of tests to ensure the product was safe.

Ils ont mené une série de tests pour s'assurer que le produit était sûr.

Past simple with a purpose clause.

The government is conducting an inquiry into the financial crisis.

Le gouvernement mène une enquête sur la crise financière.

Present continuous for an ongoing process.

It is essential to conduct oneself professionally in all client interactions.

Il est essentiel de se comporter professionnellement dans toutes les interactions avec les clients.

Impersonal 'It is' followed by an infinitive.

The study, conducted by Harvard researchers, suggests a link between diet and mood.

L'étude, menée par des chercheurs de Harvard, suggère un lien entre l'alimentation et l'humeur.

Past participle used as an adjective phrase.

The police conducted a raid on the warehouse early this morning.

La police a mené un raid dans l'entrepôt tôt ce matin.

Past simple with a specific time.

He was praised for the way he conducted the negotiations.

Il a été félicité pour la façon dont il a mené les négociations.

Passive voice followed by a relative clause.

Certain materials conduct heat much more efficiently than others.

Certains matériaux conduisent la chaleur beaucoup plus efficacement que d'autres.

Comparative adverb 'more efficiently'.

The university conducts regular audits of its financial records.

L'université effectue des audits réguliers de ses dossiers financiers.

Present simple for a recurring process.

The orchestra's performance was conducted with great precision.

La performance de l'orchestre a été dirigée avec une grande précision.

Passive voice with a prepositional phrase.

The committee will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed legislation.

Le comité mènera une évaluation complète de la législation proposée.

Future tense with a complex noun phrase.

She conducted her defense with remarkable poise and intelligence.

Elle a mené sa défense avec un calme et une intelligence remarquables.

Past simple with abstract nouns.

The experiment was conducted under strictly controlled laboratory conditions.

L'expérience a été menée dans des conditions de laboratoire strictement contrôlées.

Passive voice with an adverbial phrase.

The diplomat was tasked with conducting high-level talks between the two nations.

Le diplomate a été chargé de mener des pourparlers de haut niveau entre les deux nations.

Passive voice followed by a 'tasked with' construction.

The survey was conducted anonymously to encourage honest feedback.

L'enquête a été menée de manière anonyme pour encourager des commentaires honnêtes.

Passive voice with an adverb and a purpose clause.

The conductor's ability to interpret the score was evident in how he conducted the piece.

La capacité du chef d'orchestre à interpréter la partition était évidente dans la façon dont il dirigeait l'œuvre.

Complex sentence with a noun clause.

Silver is the most conductive element, meaning it conducts electricity better than any other metal.

L'argent est l'élément le plus conducteur, ce qui signifie qu'il conduit l'électricité mieux que tout autre métal.

Superlative adjective and comparative adverb.

The military conducted a series of drills to prepare for the upcoming mission.

L'armée a mené une série d'exercices pour se préparer à la mission à venir.

Past simple with a purpose infinitive.

The tribunal was established to conduct an impartial inquiry into the alleged war crimes.

Le tribunal a été établi pour mener une enquête impartiale sur les crimes de guerre présumés.

Passive voice with a purpose infinitive and complex adjectives.

He conducted himself with such impeccable decorum that he won the respect of his adversaries.

Il s'est comporté avec une telle correction impeccable qu'il a gagné le respect de ses adversaires.

Reflexive verb with a 'such... that' result clause.

The longitudinal study was conducted over three decades, yielding invaluable data on human development.

L'étude longitudinale a été menée sur trois décennies, produisant des données inestimables sur le développement humain.

Passive voice with a participial phrase for result.

The maestro's nuanced approach to conducting Mahler's symphonies is widely celebrated.

L'approche nuancée du maestro pour diriger les symphonies de Mahler est largement célébrée.

Gerund used as the object of a preposition.

The company was found to have conducted its business in a manner that violated antitrust laws.

L'entreprise a été jugée avoir mené ses affaires d'une manière qui violait les lois antitrust.

Passive voice followed by a perfect infinitive and a relative clause.

The semiconductor's efficiency depends on its ability to conduct current at varying temperatures.

L'efficacité du semi-conducteur dépend de sa capacité à conduire le courant à des températures variables.

Noun phrase followed by an infinitive.

The search for the missing vessel was conducted with the utmost urgency and international cooperation.

La recherche du navire disparu a été menée avec la plus grande urgence et une coopération internationale.

Passive voice with a prepositional phrase of manner.

The way she conducted the seminar fostered an environment of open dialogue and intellectual curiosity.

La façon dont elle a mené le séminaire a favorisé un environnement de dialogue ouvert et de curiosité intellectuelle.

Complex subject with a relative clause.

Synonyms

perform carry out direct manage lead organize

Antonyms

follow neglect mismanage

Common Collocations

conduct a survey

conduct an experiment

conduct a meeting

conduct an interview

conduct research

conduct an investigation

conduct a tour

conduct oneself

conduct electricity

conduct a search

Common Phrases

conduct a study

— To perform a detailed investigation or analysis of a subject.

The university is conducting a study on sleep patterns.

conduct a review

— To formally examine something again to see if changes are needed.

We need to conduct a review of our current budget.

conduct business

— To engage in commercial or professional activities.

They conduct business in over twenty countries.

conduct a trial

— To carry out a formal test or a legal proceeding.

The pharmaceutical company is conducting a clinical trial.

conduct an audit

— To perform an official inspection of an organization's accounts.

The IRS will conduct an audit of the company next month.

conduct an inquiry

— To ask questions formally to find out the facts about something.

The board will conduct an inquiry into the complaints.

conduct a test

— To carry out a procedure to check the quality or performance of something.

Engineers conducted a stress test on the bridge.

conduct a symphony

— To lead an orchestra in playing a long piece of music.

It was his dream to conduct a symphony at Carnegie Hall.

conduct a campaign

— To organize and lead a series of activities to achieve a goal.

The charity is conducting a campaign to raise awareness.

conduct negotiations

— To have formal discussions to reach an agreement.

The two sides are conducting negotiations to end the strike.

Often Confused With

conduct vs conduct (noun)

The noun means behavior and is stressed on the first syllable (CON-duct).

conduct vs conduction

This is the noun for the process of heat or electricity moving through a material.

conduct vs conductor

This is the person who leads or the material that conducts.

Idioms & Expressions

"conduct oneself with flying colors"

— To behave or perform exceptionally well in a difficult situation.

She conducted herself with flying colors during the tough interview.

informal

"conduct a post-mortem"

— To analyze a project or event after it has finished to see what went wrong.

After the project failed, the team conducted a post-mortem.

business

"safe conduct"

— Official protection given to someone traveling through a dangerous area.

The diplomat was granted safe conduct through the war zone.

formal

"conduct a fishing expedition"

— To ask broad questions to find out information without a clear goal.

The lawyer was accused of conducting a fishing expedition.

legal/informal

"conduct a masterclass"

— To demonstrate extreme skill or expertise in a particular area.

The chef conducted a masterclass in French pastry.

general

"conduct a symphony of..."

— To coordinate many different elements into a harmonious whole.

The director conducted a symphony of light and sound in the film.

literary

"conduct a witch hunt"

— To carry out an investigation to find and punish people with unpopular opinions.

The senator claimed the investigation was a political witch hunt.

political

"conduct a dry run"

— To practice a process or event before the real thing happens.

We should conduct a dry run of the presentation tomorrow.

business

"conduct a scorched earth policy"

— To destroy everything in an area so an enemy cannot use it.

The retreating army conducted a scorched earth policy.

military/metaphorical

"conduct a reality check"

— To evaluate a situation objectively to see if expectations are realistic.

We need to conduct a reality check on our sales targets.

informal

Easily Confused

conduct vs perform

Both mean doing a task.

Perform is for artistic or technical acts; conduct is for organizational or scientific ones.

He performed a song; he conducted a survey.

conduct vs lead

Both involve being in charge.

Lead is more general and often refers to people; conduct refers to a specific process.

She leads the team; she conducts the meeting.

conduct vs direct

Both mean giving guidance.

Direct often implies giving orders or creative vision; conduct implies managing a process.

He directed the film; he conducted the research.

conduct vs guide

Both mean showing the way.

Guide is more personal and physical; conduct is more formal and procedural.

The guide showed us the path; the guide conducted the tour.

conduct vs run

Both mean managing an event.

Run is informal; conduct is formal.

I run the shop; I conduct the audit.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + conduct + a/an + [noun]

I conduct a meeting.

Subject + conducted + [reflexive pronoun] + [adverb]

She conducted herself professionally.

[Noun] + was conducted by + [agent]

The test was conducted by the doctor.

Subject + is conducting + [noun] + into + [subject]

The police are conducting an inquiry into the crime.

It is [adjective] to conduct + [noun]

It is important to conduct a review.

The manner in which [noun] was conducted...

The manner in which the study was conducted was flawed.

Subject + conduct + [noun] + with + [abstract noun]

He conducted the talks with great patience.

Tasked with conducting + [complex noun phrase]

He was tasked with conducting a multi-national investigation.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in academic, professional, and scientific English.

Common Mistakes

Stressing the first syllable for the verb. → Stress the second syllable: con-DUCT.
In English, many words change stress between noun and verb forms. The verb is always con-DUCT.
Using 'conduct' for simple chores. → Use 'do' for chores like homework or dishes.
'Conduct' is for formal, structured processes, not daily housework.
Saying 'He conducted well' for behavior. → He conducted *himself* well.
When talking about behavior, 'conduct' must be reflexive.
Confusing 'conduct' with 'conduction'. → Use 'conduct' as the verb and 'conduction' as the noun.
'Conduction' is the scientific name for the process, not the action itself.
Using 'conduct' without an object. → I will conduct *the meeting*.
'Conduct' is a transitive verb and usually needs an object to be complete.

Tips

Use with Nouns

Always pair 'conduct' with a specific noun like 'survey', 'study', or 'meeting' to sound natural and professional.

Stress the End

When using it as a verb (to do something), remember to put the emphasis on the second part: con-DUCT.

Elevate Your Style

Replace 'do' with 'conduct' in your essays or business emails to immediately sound more academic and authoritative.

Reflexive Form

Don't forget the reflexive pronoun (myself, yourself, etc.) when using 'conduct' to describe behavior.

Energy Flow

Use 'conduct' when talking about heat or electricity moving through metals or other materials.

Lead the Band

A 'conductor' is the person leading the music; the verb for what they do is 'to conduct'.

Meeting Management

Instead of saying 'I'm having a meeting', say 'I'm conducting a meeting' to show you are in charge.

Context Clues

If you hear 'conduct' followed by 'by', it's likely a passive sentence describing who did a study or test.

Interview Tip

Use 'conduct' to describe your past projects. 'I conducted a market analysis' sounds better than 'I did a market analysis'.

Not for Chores

Avoid using 'conduct' for everyday tasks like 'conducting the dishes' or 'conducting my bed'. Stick to 'do' or 'make'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Conductor' on a train. They 'conduct' the journey by leading the train and the passengers from start to finish.

Visual Association

Imagine a person with a baton leading a large orchestra. They are 'conducting' the music and the musicians.

Word Web

Lead Manage Organize Behave Research Orchestra Electricity Survey

Challenge

Try to use 'conduct' in three different ways today: for a task, for behavior, and for leading a group.

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'conducere', which means 'to lead or bring together'. It is formed from 'com-' (together) and 'ducere' (to lead).

Original meaning: To lead, guide, or escort someone.

Italic -> Romance -> Latin -> Middle English.

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing someone's 'conduct' as it can sound judgmental or disciplinary.

Commonly used in 'Code of Conduct' for schools and businesses.

Leonard Bernstein was a world-famous conductor. The 'conduct' of the Light Brigade in the famous poem. Scientific reports on 'conductivity' in Silicon Valley.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Science Lab

conduct an experiment
conduct research
conduct a trial
conduct an analysis

Business Office

conduct a meeting
conduct an interview
conduct negotiations
conduct business

Music Hall

conduct an orchestra
conduct a choir
conduct a symphony
conduct a performance

Police Station

conduct an investigation
conduct a search
conduct an inquiry
conduct a raid

Tourism

conduct a tour
conduct visitors
conduct a group
conducted tour

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever had to conduct a survey for a school or work project?"

"If you could conduct any famous orchestra, which one would it be?"

"How do you think a manager should conduct themselves during a crisis?"

"What is the most interesting experiment you have ever conducted?"

"Have you ever been on a conducted tour that you really enjoyed?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you had to conduct a meeting or lead a group activity. What went well?

Write about how you try to conduct yourself when you are meeting new people for the first time.

If you were a scientist, what kind of research would you want to conduct and why?

Reflect on a situation where you had to conduct a difficult conversation. How did you handle it?

Imagine you are conducting a tour of your hometown. What places would you show the visitors?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'conduct' is generally considered a formal verb. In casual conversation, people usually say 'do', 'run', or 'lead'. However, it is standard in professional and academic settings. For example, you would use it in a business report or a science project.

Yes, but it sounds very formal or old-fashioned. It means to lead or escort them somewhere. For example, 'The butler conducted the guests to the dining room.' In modern English, we usually say 'show' or 'lead'.

'Conduct' and 'carry out' are very similar. 'Conduct' is more formal and is often used for research, meetings, and music. 'Carry out' is neutral and can be used for almost any task or plan. They are often interchangeable in academic writing.

As a verb, you should stress the second syllable: con-DUCT. The first syllable has a short 'uh' sound (schwa). This is different from the noun 'conduct' (behavior), which is stressed on the first syllable: CON-duct.

No, you 'drive' a car. You 'conduct' a train (in some contexts) or an orchestra, but for personal vehicles, the word is always 'drive'. 'Conduct' implies leading a group or a complex process.

It means to behave in a certain way, usually in a formal or public situation. For example, 'He conducted himself with dignity' means he acted in a calm and respectful manner. It is a more formal way to talk about behavior.

Yes, very often! Scientists 'conduct experiments' and 'conduct research'. Also, materials like copper 'conduct electricity' or 'conduct heat', meaning they allow energy to flow through them.

Usually, you 'conduct an orchestra' or 'conduct a choir' while they play or sing a song. You don't conduct the song itself, but rather the people who are performing it.

A conducted tour is a tour led by a professional guide who explains things and manages the group's movement. It is the opposite of a 'self-guided tour' where you explore on your own.

Yes! 'Misconduct' is a noun that means bad or improper behavior, especially by a professional. It comes from adding the prefix 'mis-' (wrong) to the noun 'conduct'.