conduct

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To organize and carry out an activity, process, study, or piece of work.

   Grammar: Takes an object: “conduct an experiment.” Do not use “conduct about.”

   Patterns

   • conduct research
   • conduct an interview
   • conduct a survey

   The team will conduct research on local water use.

   Two journalists conducted the interview by phone.

2. 2verbtransitivemusic

   To direct the playing of music or lead a group of performers.

   Grammar: Takes an orchestra, choir, band, or performance as object.

   Patterns

   • conduct an orchestra
   • conduct a choir
   • conduct a performance

   She conducts the community orchestra every winter.

   He was invited to conduct a choir at the festival.

3. 3verbtransitiveformal

   To behave in a particular way, especially in public or formal situations.

   Grammar: Almost always reflexive: “conduct yourself well,” not “conduct good.”

   Patterns

   • conduct oneself well
   • conduct oneself with dignity

   The players conducted themselves professionally after the match.

   Please conduct yourself with courtesy in the library.

4. 4verbtransitivephysicstechnical

   To allow heat, electricity, sound, or another form of energy to pass through.

   Grammar: Takes a material or medium as object; common in science contexts.

   Patterns

   • conduct electricity
   • conduct heat
   • conduct sound

   Copper conducts electricity better than rubber.

   Metal pans conduct heat quickly across the base.

5. 5noununcountableformal

   The way a person behaves, especially when judged by moral, legal, or professional standards.

   Grammar: Noun stress is on the first syllable: CON-duct; the verb is con-DUCT.

   Patterns

   • professional conduct
   • good conduct
   • a code of conduct

   The complaint concerned the doctor’s professional conduct.

   The school has a clear code of conduct for visitors.

Word forms

Common combinations

conduct research

Students conduct research before writing the report.

conduct an interview

We will conduct the interview online next week.

conduct a survey

The city conducted a survey about bike lanes.

conduct oneself

He conducted himself politely under pressure.

Synonyms and how they differ

carry out

Neutral phrasal verb; “conduct” sounds more formal for studies or procedures.

perform

Suggests completing a task or action; common with experiments and ceremonies.

manage

Emphasizes controlling or organizing people and resources, not only executing.

behavior

Noun near-synonym for the noun sense; “conduct” often implies judgment by rules.

Opposites

Word family

conductor noun

A person who directs music, or a material/substance that conducts energy; also a train or bus official.

conductive adjective

Able to conduct heat, electricity, or sound.

conduction noun

The process by which heat, electricity, or sound is conducted.

Commonly confused: conduct or contract?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “conduct”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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