managed to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "managed to do something" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase whenever you want to express that someone succeeded in doing something. For example: "The student managed to finish the exam on time despite the difficult questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But they all had managed to do something that even Caroline's showroom manager, Kenny Quinn, has never done.

The New York Times

We've managed to do something".

The Guardian - Sport

"We've managed to do something that will make history".

The New Yorker

We have managed to do something extraordinary here.

The New York Times - Sports

But they have still managed to do something rather profound.

The New York Times

They have also managed to do something similar to the silver wires that collect the current.

The Economist

He has managed to do something similar in almost every game this year.

The New York Times

It's also true that Mr. Alaia has managed to do something rare in the fashion world.

The New York Times - Style

But this season Mr. Letterman managed to do something extremely rare in contemporary network television.

The New York Times - Arts

And Ms. Couric managed to do something unexpected: she lowered the median age for the program's audience.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But they manage to do something just as important.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "managed to do something" to highlight a successful effort, especially when there were challenges or obstacles to overcome. This emphasizes the effort and skill involved.

Common error

Avoid using "managed to do something" for tasks that are typically easy or routine. It can sound awkward if used in situations where success is expected rather than earned through effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "managed to do something" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of an action, often implying effort or overcoming obstacles. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "managed to do something" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression widely used to indicate successful achievement, especially when effort or overcoming challenges is involved. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in written English. As shown by Ludwig, its frequency is very high, particularly within News & Media and Academic contexts. When writing, consider using this phrase to underscore effort and accomplishment. However, remember to avoid using it in situations where success is already expected. Alternative phrases such as "succeeded in achieving something" or "accomplished a particular feat" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeeded in achieving something

Emphasizes the successful attainment of a specific goal or objective.

accomplished a particular feat

Highlights a noteworthy or impressive achievement.

attained a specific outcome

Focuses on the realization of a desired result or consequence.

achieved a certain level

Implies reaching a specific standard or degree of proficiency.

realized a specific ambition

Highlights the fulfillment of a long-term goal or aspiration.

brought something to fruition

Implies the successful completion of a project or endeavor.

effected a specific change

Focuses on successfully implementing a particular alteration or modification.

carried something off successfully

Emphasizes the successful execution of a plan or task, often with a hint of difficulty.

pulled something off

Informal way to express succeeding at something difficult or unexpected.

were successful in doing something

A more formal and direct synonym.

FAQs

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

Use "managed to do something" to emphasize a successful effort, for example: "Despite the challenges, the team "managed to do something" remarkable."

What are some alternatives to "managed to do something"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "succeeded in achieving something", "accomplished a particular feat", or "achieved a certain level".

Is it better to say "managed to do something" or "did something"?

"Managed to do something" implies more effort or overcoming an obstacle, while "did something" is a more neutral statement of fact. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does "managed to do something" imply?

It implies that achieving the task was not easy and required effort, skill, or overcoming some kind of challenge or obstacle.