just about managed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just about managed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has succeeded in doing something, but only with difficulty or after a struggle. Example: "After a long day of work, I just about managed to finish the report before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

So I just about managed to scrape into double-figures.

Independent

Yes, I've just about managed to work that one out.

The Guardian - Tech

Watch below as he just about managed to contain his laughter while singing from a podium.

Independent

She just about managed to make the premiere by taking a risky mix of antibiotics and steroids, before conking out.

The Guardian

It is a rightwing power grab that hopes to scoop up those who have just about managed to vote Labour in the past.

The Guardian - Opinion

McCormick then had to come to Argyle's rescue again as he just about managed to tip Saunders' stabbed effort wide after Ephraim had picked him out.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Rich countries just about manage to put up with the sufferings of poor countries now.

The Economist

4.10pm: Jamie Murray just about manages to cling on to his serve, taking the score to 4-2.

The Guardian - Sport

I'd just about manage to go out and get a coffee.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My dad just about manages to work part-time while my sister and I try to fill in the gaps.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a well-plotted, unexpectedly twisting saga which just about manages to avoid mawkishness and schmaltz.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "barely succeeded in" or "narrowly achieved" to avoid repetition and make your writing more engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "just about managed to" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms or rephrase the sentence to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about managed to" functions as a qualifier indicating the manner in which an action was performed. It conveys that the action was successful, but only barely or with significant effort, as seen in Ludwig examples. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just about managed to" is a useful qualifier to show that an action was successful, but only with difficulty or by a narrow margin. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While grammatically sound and primarily used in News & Media, it's essential to vary your vocabulary and use synonyms like "barely succeeded in" or "narrowly achieved" to prevent repetition. The frequency is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely succeeded in

Emphasizes the narrow margin of success.

narrowly achieved

Highlights the difficulty in reaching the goal.

scraped through

Implies a less than graceful or easy success.

only just accomplished

Stresses the minimal effort required for success.

succeeded by a whisker

Uses a more figurative expression to show how close the failure was.

almost failed but didn't

Highlights the imminence of failure.

pulled it off at the last moment

Indicates a timely save from failure.

managed with difficulty

Focuses on the struggle involved in the achievement.

virtually made it

Highlights the near impossibility of the task.

came close to failing but didn't

Expands on the potential for failure.

FAQs

How can I use "just about managed to" in a sentence?

Use "just about managed to" to indicate a successful outcome that was achieved with difficulty. For example, "I just about managed to finish the project on time".

What can I say instead of "just about managed to"?

Alternatives include "barely succeeded in", "narrowly achieved", or "scraped through" depending on the context.

Is "just about managed to" formal or informal?

"Just about managed to" is suitable for neutral to informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using a more precise alternative like "succeeded with difficulty".

What is the difference between "just about managed to" and "failed"?

"Just about managed to" implies success, albeit with difficulty, whereas "failed" indicates an unsuccessful outcome. They are opposites.