managed to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "managed to keep" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone succeeded in maintaining or retaining something despite challenges or difficulties. Example: "Despite the chaos of the project, she managed to keep her composure throughout the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who managed to keep their daughters intact?

The New Yorker

Fortunately he managed to keep the finger.

The New York Times

How have you managed to keep working?

The New York Times

It managed to keep it operative.

The New York Times

I've managed to keep 150 pounds off.

The New York Times

They've managed to keep the magic".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I managed to keep it quiet.

The Guardian

I managed to keep it low.

The Guardian - Sport

He has managed to keep spending rises below inflation.

The Economist

Mr. Dunham managed to keep the car under control.

The New York Times

Rosalind managed to keep paying for Joel's piano lessons.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "managed to keep" to highlight successful maintenance or retention in situations where challenges or difficulties were present.

Common error

Avoid using "managed to keep" in situations where the action of keeping something is straightforward and doesn't involve any particular effort or challenge. Opt for simpler alternatives like "kept" or "retained".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "managed to keep" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of an action despite potential difficulties. As Ludwig highlights, it conveys the ability to maintain a certain state or possess something, often against some form of challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "managed to keep" is a versatile verb phrase used to express the successful retention or maintenance of something, often in the face of difficulty. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "succeeded in retaining" or "was able to maintain" exist, "managed to keep" provides a concise and commonly understood way to convey this meaning. Remember to consider the level of effort involved when choosing between "managed to keep" and simpler alternatives like "kept". Ludwig's examples provide a robust foundation for understanding the phrase's nuanced usage in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeeded in retaining

Replaces "managed" with "succeeded", focusing on the successful aspect of keeping something.

was able to maintain

Emphasizes the ability to keep something in its current state.

successfully preserved

Highlights the act of keeping something safe from harm or decay.

retained possession of

Focuses on maintaining ownership or control.

held onto

A more informal way of saying "managed to keep", suggesting a strong grip.

maintained control over

Specifically refers to keeping control of something, implying authority or power.

kept a hold of

Similar to "held onto", but slightly more emphatic.

avoided losing

Focuses on the prevention of loss, rather than the act of keeping.

safeguarded

Implies protecting something to ensure it is kept safe.

preserved successfully

Similar to "successfully preserved", but with a slight shift in emphasis.

FAQs

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

You can use "managed to keep" to describe successfully retaining or maintaining something despite difficulties. For example, "Despite the challenges, the team "managed to keep" the project on schedule".

What are some alternatives to "managed to keep"?

Some alternatives include "succeeded in retaining", "was able to maintain", or "held onto", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "managed to keep" or simply "kept"?

"Managed to keep" emphasizes the effort or difficulty involved in keeping something, while "kept" is a more general term. Use "managed to keep" when you want to highlight the successful overcoming of challenges.

What is the difference between "managed to keep" and "preserved"?

"Preserved" implies protecting something from harm or decay, whereas "managed to keep" simply means successfully retaining something, whether it's tangible or intangible. Use "preserved" when you want to emphasize the act of protecting something.