managed to fend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "managed to fend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of successfully defending oneself or dealing with a difficult situation. Example: "Despite the challenges, she managed to fend off the criticism and continue with her project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The supervisor managed to fend them off.

The New York Times

Dave managed to fend off the lawsuits for a while.

The New Yorker

But Google managed to fend off the much lengthier, in-depth review.

The New York Times

For the last couple of years, Hollywood has managed to fend off several attempted kidnappings.

The New York Times

A number of Democratic incumbents also managed to fend off strong challenges in races that attracted national money and attention.

The New York Times

In Washington state, Christine Gregoire managed to fend off a challenge from her long-standing Republican nemesis, Dino Rossi.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

An immediate and long-lasting success, it describes how two slum orphans temporarily abandoned by their feckless alcoholic uncle still manage to fend for themselves.

Independent

Thus Jon Snow continues to come into his own, managing to fend off a rather sneaky attack by Melisandre, a woman not exactly backward in coming forward.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

University is the first real separation between parents and their children, meaning it's quite easy for parents to develop 'empty nest syndrome' and become anxious about how we'll manage to fend for ourselves.

Independent

"Maybe that's the most distinctive trait of Tampiqueños; that even with all the economic and social difficulties they have had to face throughout the city's history, they somehow manage to fend for themselves in order to survive".

The Guardian

And much of the drama is how, once pulled away from the society that defines those roles, figures like these manage to fend for themselves, supposedly becoming more "real" in their isolation, unveiling private truths.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "managed to fend" to describe situations where someone or something skillfully avoids or resists a negative outcome, such as an attack, challenge, or problem.

Common error

Avoid using "managed to fend" in very informal conversations or writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "avoided" or "resisted" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "managed to fend" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the successful execution of an action to resist or ward off something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples show it describing resisting challenges or attacks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "managed to fend" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the successful act of resisting or warding off something negative. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the appropriate level of formality. While versatile, simpler alternatives might be more suitable for informal settings. Remember to use it when emphasizing skillful resistance or avoidance of a specific threat or challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

managed to hold off

Highlights the act of preventing something from happening or progressing.

successfully fought off

Implies a struggle that was ultimately won.

successfully resisted

Directly indicates a successful opposition to something.

defended against successfully

Emphasizes a successful defense against an attack or challenge.

succeeded in repelling

Emphasizes success in driving back an attack or unwanted advance.

combatted successfully

Highlights the victory in a fight.

warded off effectively

Focuses on skillful deflection or avoidance of a threat.

repelled effectively

Focuses on the effectiveness of driving something back.

turned back successfully

Highlights the act of reversing or preventing an advance.

staved off successfully

Highlights preventing something negative from occurring.

FAQs

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

You can use "managed to fend" to describe a situation where someone successfully resisted or defended against something. For example, "The company "managed to fend off" the hostile takeover attempt."

What can I say instead of "managed to fend"?

You can use alternatives like "succeeded in repelling", "managed to hold off", or "successfully resisted" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "managed to fend off" and "successfully resisted"?

"Managed to fend off" often implies a more active or skillful defense, while "successfully resisted" is a more general term for opposing something and succeeding.

Is "managed to fend" formal or informal?

"Managed to fend" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for news articles, reports, and other professional writing. It may not be the best choice for very casual conversations.