manage affairs

USAGE SUMMARY

"manage affairs" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe someone's responsibility or duty to handle or oversee different aspects of a situation, organization, or individual's life. Example: The CEO's main job is to manage the company's affairs and ensure its success. In this sentence, "manage affairs" is used to describe the CEO's role in overseeing the company's operations and making decisions to achieve success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It had fallen to her to manage affairs for her widowed mother.

The New Yorker

"The current government and governors undertake to manage affairs until the formation of a new government," he added.

The Guardian

But in common with would-be ministers, they need better training to manage affairs of state as technologies develop and public services change.

The Economist

There is no need to slur the opponent's character or good intentions, nor even the opponent's competence to manage affairs as conventionally understood.

The New York Times

Although the ruling family came to power largely through its martial skill and religious ties, its continued hegemony has been based on the traditional view in Arabian society that leaders owe their positions to their ability to manage affairs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tennessee's rivals, who did not want to be quoted publicly talking about the Vols' issues, insist Pearl has enough grease in his recruiting machine that he can have his third assistant manage affairs on the road.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It manages affairs with the same heavy-handed approach that the party brings to all things.

The Economist

During Octavian's absence from Rome after Actium, Agrippa managed affairs in the city together with Maecenas, the great patron of poets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A notable exception was Demetrius Cydones who, like Michael Psellus, managed affairs of state for a number of emperors for close to 50 years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since then, the towering swordswoman has pledged her service to Sansa (Sophie Turner), who is currently managing affairs at Winterfell.

Huffington Post

The prefect kept a staff of hundreds and managed affairs in all segments of government: in taxation, administration, jurisprudence, and minor military commands, the praetorian prefect was often second only to the emperor himself.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "manage affairs", ensure the context clearly defines what 'affairs' encompass – whether they are personal, business-related, or governmental.

Common error

Avoid using "manage affairs" when the specific tasks or responsibilities are well-defined. Instead of saying 'She manages her affairs', be specific: 'She manages her finances and investments'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "manage affairs" functions as a verb phrase where 'manage' is the verb, and 'affairs' is the noun acting as the object. It describes the action of controlling, directing, or handling a set of activities, responsibilities or situations, as exemplified in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Unknown/unmatched sources

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "manage affairs" is a grammatically sound and contextually versatile expression. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage for describing the act of overseeing and handling responsibilities. While relatively uncommon, it finds its primary use in news, encyclopedic and wiki contexts. Remember to be specific about the "affairs" being managed to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "govern affairs" or "administer affairs" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

govern affairs

Replaces "manage" with "govern", emphasizing control and authority.

administer affairs

Substitutes "manage" with "administer", highlighting a more systematic and procedural approach.

handle responsibilities

Focuses on the responsibilities involved, rather than the broader concept of "affairs".

oversee operations

Emphasizes the operational aspect of management.

take charge of matters

Highlights the act of assuming control over specific issues.

conduct business

Focuses on the business-related aspect of managing affairs.

supervise activities

Emphasizes the supervisory role in managing affairs.

steer the ship

An idiomatic expression suggesting guiding and directing affairs.

be in control

Highlights the aspect of having control over situations.

take care of things

A more informal alternative, suggesting attending to various tasks and issues.

FAQs

How can I use "manage affairs" in a sentence?

You can use "manage affairs" to describe someone's responsibility for handling specific matters. For example, "The newly appointed director is responsible for managing the company's affairs".

What's the difference between "manage affairs" and "handle responsibilities"?

"Manage affairs" typically implies a broader scope of oversight, while "handle responsibilities" focuses on specific duties or tasks.

What can I say instead of "manage affairs"?

You can use alternatives like "govern affairs", "administer affairs", or "oversee operations" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "managing affairs" instead of "manage affairs"?

Yes, "managing affairs" is the gerund form and can be used in progressive tenses or as a noun. For example, "Managing affairs efficiently is crucial for success".