manage to cross

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "manage to cross" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a successful effort to overcome an obstacle or achieve a goal, often despite difficulties. Example: "After several attempts, they managed to cross the river safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Few manage to cross the divide successfully.

The New York Times

And if we do manage to cross the border, what then?

The Guardian - Books

It would also block the estimated 25,000 Palestinians who, Israeli security officials say, manage to cross into Israel to find work each day, further crippling the Palestinian economy.

The New York Times

Contrast this with the Tour de France, where hundreds of humans on pedal-powered vehicles manage to cross an entire country (and a big one at that), and you see how much easier it is to go horizontally than upwards.

The Guardian

On average, 473 icebergs per year manage to cross the 48° N parallel and enter the zone where they are a danger to shipping though numbers vary greatly from year to year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Therefore, while this is not the evolutionary path that I and many others discerned and welcomed in China around the time of the Beijing Olympics, we must still hope that Xi's leadership will manage to "cross the river by feeling the stones".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In February 1999 Kanyinda was released again and this time managed to cross the border into Zambia.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, they managed to cross paths three more times, Private Johnson said.

The New York Times

After years of wangling for permission, he managed to cross reclusive Bhutan.

The New York Times

Two of the cars managed to cross the gap; one was left to rust under a ceiba tree.

The New Yorker

Norway's Thor Hushovd, of the Cervelo Test Team, managed to cross the finish line first in a mass sprint.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "manage to cross", consider the context to determine if a more specific verb (e.g., "ford", "traverse", "clear") would be more appropriate and descriptive.

Common error

Avoid using "manage to cross" for simple actions where the effort or difficulty is minimal. For example, instead of "He managed to cross the street", simply say "He crossed the street."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "manage to cross" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of an action, often implying effort or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Reference

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "manage to cross" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the successful act of overcoming a barrier. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound, appropriate for various contexts, and suggests some effective usages and common pitfalls to avoid. The analysis shows that it appears frequently in news articles, encyclopedic entries and scientific publications. While "manage to cross" is often interchangeable with alternatives like "succeed in crossing" or "are able to cross", it's important to consider the context to choose the most precise and impactful phrasing. Finally, avoid redundancy by using simpler verbs when describing easy crossings. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your use of the phrase "manage to cross" is both grammatically correct and stylistically effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeed in crossing

Emphasizes the success of the crossing without necessarily highlighting the effort involved.

are able to cross

Focuses on the ability to cross, suggesting the necessary means or permission were available.

succeed to get across

Alternative with focus on ability to get to the other side of something, perhaps with difficulty.

are successful in crossing

Similar to "succeed in crossing" but with slightly more emphasis on the success.

find a way to cross

Highlights the resourcefulness in achieving the crossing.

make it across

Informal alternative suggesting a successful crossing, often against some difficulty.

effect a crossing

More formal and technical, suitable for reports or official accounts.

pass over successfully

Focuses on the action of passing over with guaranteed success.

overcome the barrier to cross

Highlights the overcoming of an obstacle in order to cross.

get past

More ambiguous than the original; could refer to overcoming something other than a physical barrier.

FAQs

How can I use "manage to cross" in a sentence?

Use "manage to cross" to indicate a successful effort to overcome an obstacle or barrier. For instance, "Despite the strong currents, the swimmer "managed to cross" the river."

What are some alternatives to "manage to cross"?

You can use alternatives like "succeed in crossing", "are able to cross", or "find a way to cross", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "manage to cross"?

In some cases, yes. If the action of crossing is straightforward and presents no difficulty, using a simpler verb like "cross" is more concise and effective.

What's the difference between "manage to cross" and "try to cross"?

"Manage to cross" indicates a successful crossing, while "try to cross" only indicates an attempt, regardless of whether it was successful or not. The first implies the barrier was overcome, while the second one does not.