managed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'managed to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was achieved, either with difficulty or through planning and effort. For example: "I managed to finish my project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She managed to stand.

The New Yorker

Perkus managed to stand.

The New Yorker

Gamrod managed to pull away.

The New Yorker

It managed to renegotiate them.

The Economist

I managed to control myself.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We managed to do that.

Independent

Had they managed to evacuate?

The New York Times

I managed to do that.

The New York Times - Magazine

I managed to limp home.

The New York Times

"Where?" he managed to ask.

The New Yorker

I managed to do some.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "managed to" to convey a sense of effort or difficulty overcome in achieving a result. It adds a layer of meaning beyond simply stating that something happened.

Common error

Avoid using "managed to" when the action is straightforward and requires no particular effort. Opt for simpler verbs like "did" or "completed" for routine tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "managed to" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of an action, often implying effort or difficulty. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "managed to" is a versatile verb phrase used to express the successful completion of an action, frequently implying some degree of effort or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, notably in news, encyclopedias and media. While "managed to" is suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in situations where no particular effort is involved. Consider alternatives such as "succeeded in" or "was able to" depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeeded in

Implies a successful outcome, often after effort, with a slightly stronger emphasis on the achievement itself.

was able to

Indicates capability and the realization of that capability, without necessarily implying difficulty.

accomplished

Suggests a deliberate effort to achieve a specific goal, emphasizing the completion of a task.

attained

Highlights the reaching of a certain level or goal, often after a period of striving.

achieved

Focuses on the successful completion of something significant, often requiring skill or effort.

contrived to

Suggests a degree of planning or manipulation to achieve something, sometimes with a hint of ingenuity.

pulled off

Implies successfully completing something difficult or unexpected, often with a sense of overcoming odds.

brought about

Indicates causing something to happen or achieving a particular result, often through indirect means.

effected

Focuses on the act of causing something to happen, often with a sense of formality or precision.

realized

Signifies making something real or achieving a goal, emphasizing the transition from possibility to actuality.

FAQs

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

Use "managed to" to indicate that someone succeeded in doing something, often implying that it was difficult or required effort. For instance, "She "managed to finish" the race despite the injury".

What are some alternatives to "managed to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "succeeded in", "was able to", or "accomplished" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "managed to did"?

No, "managed to did" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "managed to do". The "to" requires the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "managed to" and "tried to"?

"Managed to" indicates successful completion of an action, while "tried to" implies an attempt, which may or may not have been successful. For example, "I managed to pass the exam" means I succeeded, while "I tried to pass the exam" only means I made an effort.