managed to define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "managed to define" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the successful effort to articulate or clarify a concept or term. Example: "After extensive research, the team managed to define the parameters of the project clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The authors say this requires honest and continuing conversations between manager and managed to define the parameters of the relationship and ensure it evolves in a way both parties accept.

Los Angeles Times

But science hasn't managed to define or understand it.

The Guardian

None of his numerous biographers quite managed to define what made him tick.

The Guardian

Mr. López Obrador, meanwhile, has managed to define the debate broadly as a question of national sovereignty.

The New York Times

The hard truth is that neither the United States nor Cuba has managed to define a positive and beneficial relationship.

The Guardian

But while his life may have been forged through immense suffering, it never managed to define his outlook.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Nor did he manage to define or direct what he calls "our movement" — or even to argue persuasively that a movement, rather than a loose body of the like-minded, exists.

The New Yorker

So I liked these two very different novels, in which young American women manage to define themselves while living in Europe in a way they couldn't at home.

The New York Times

With the help of a handful of minor characters, these four people manage to define a remarkably layered network of emotions and issues, and Mr. Arcenas has directed so that the sense of a teeming city is palpably hovering.

The New York Times

This is why the state senator from Fort Worth has become an avatar for the crusade against (at least some of) the most flagrant gender inequalities that still manage to define contemporary American life.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's impressive that he casts this wide net over just about every human-computer interaction (Urp and greeting cards being under one umbrella) and still manages to define a vocabulary for them all.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "managed to define", ensure that the context clearly indicates a successful effort to articulate or clarify a concept, term, or situation. For instance, consider rephrasing sentences to emphasize the outcome or the process of achieving the definition.

Common error

Avoid using "managed to define" when a simpler verb like "defined" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. If the success of defining something is not particularly noteworthy or surprising, a direct statement is often more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "managed to define" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of the act of defining. Ludwig AI shows that it's often used to express that a definition was achieved after some effort or challenge. It shows the result of a process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "managed to define" is a versatile phrase used to convey the successful articulation or clarification of a concept or term, often implying effort or overcoming a challenge. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While alternatives like "succeeded in defining" or "were able to define" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overusing the phrase can make writing sound verbose, so use it judiciously. By following the best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively incorporate "managed to define" into your writing to add clarity and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeeded in defining

Replaces "managed" with "succeeded", emphasizing the successful outcome.

were able to define

Uses "were able" instead of "managed", indicating capability.

accomplished the definition of

Focuses on the accomplishment of the definition itself.

successfully articulated

Replaces "define" with "articulated", highlighting the expression of an idea.

effectively clarified

Uses "clarified" instead of "defined", emphasizing the making clear of something.

achieved a definition of

Focuses on the achievement of creating a definition.

contrived to define

Implies a degree of difficulty or ingenuity in achieving the definition.

managed to circumscribe

Replaces "define" with "circumscribe", highlighting the setting of limits or boundaries.

undertook the definition of

Emphasizes the undertaking or commitment to defining something.

mastered the art of defining

Suggests a high level of skill or expertise in defining.

FAQs

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

Use "managed to define" when you want to emphasize that someone successfully articulated or clarified something, especially after some effort or difficulty. For instance, "The team "managed to define" the project's scope after several meetings".

What are some alternatives to "managed to define"?

You can use alternatives like "succeeded in defining", "were able to define", or "effectively clarified" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "managed to define" or can I simply use "defined"?

In many cases, "defined" is sufficient. Use ""managed to define"" when you want to highlight the effort or difficulty involved in arriving at the definition. Otherwise, "defined" is more concise.

What is the difference between "managed to define" and "tried to define"?

"Managed to define" implies success in articulating or clarifying something, while "tried to define" implies an attempt, but not necessarily a successful one. The former indicates a completed action, while the latter indicates an effort.