managed to leave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "managed to leave" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing an accomplishment, or something someone was able to do with effort or determination. An example sentence might be: We were stuck in traffic for an hour, but we managed to leave just in time to catch our flight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He begged her to tell him how she had managed to leave the city undetected.

The New York Times - Travel

He managed to leave his résumé.

The New York Times - Food

By 1980, she had managed to leave China for Canada.

The Washington Post

At 11am some buses managed to leave the depots.

The Guardian

This time it was I who finally managed to leave.

The New York Times

I managed to leave ITV without any fanfare whatsoever".

The Guardian

But they have somehow managed to leave Mother Nature alone.

The New York Times

At last, though, he had managed to leave Eritrea.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, a French boat and the Irish ship Saoirse have managed to leave port.

Independent

She fortunately managed to leave by alerting the press in the Philippines.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"They managed to leave Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "managed to leave" to convey a sense of accomplishment or overcoming difficulty when describing someone's departure. It adds nuance beyond simply saying they left.

Common error

While "managed to leave" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Sometimes, a simpler verb like "left" or "departed" can be more effective and less repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "managed to leave" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the successful completion of an action, specifically the act of departing from a place or situation. Ludwig confirms its usability, showcasing numerous instances where this phrase adds a nuance of effort or accomplishment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "managed to leave" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a successful departure, often implying a degree of difficulty or effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's generally considered neutral in register, careful writers should avoid overuse and consider simpler alternatives like "left" or "departed" when appropriate. Remembering these tips can enhance your writing and ensure you effectively communicate the intended nuance when describing someone's departure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeeded in leaving

Focuses on the success aspect of the departure.

overcame obstacles to exit

Highlights the challenges that were overcome to make the departure possible.

found a way to escape

Implies a need to escape from a difficult or dangerous situation.

effected an escape

Implies a formal or official departure, possibly with some difficulty.

contrived to exit

Highlights the element of planning or scheming to leave.

maneuvered to get out

Highlights the strategic aspect of leaving.

arranged to get away

Emphasizes the planning and preparation involved in leaving.

navigated a departure

Suggests careful planning to achieve the exit.

pulled off an exit

Indicates a clever or skillful departure.

worked it to depart

Focuses on the effort and determination to leave.

FAQs

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

Use "managed to leave" when you want to emphasize that someone successfully departed from a place or situation, especially when it was difficult. For example: "Despite the heavy traffic, we "managed to leave" on time."

What are some alternatives to "managed to leave"?

You can use alternatives such as "succeeded in leaving", "found a way to escape", or "contrived to exit" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "managed to leave" formal or informal?

"Managed to leave" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the tone of your writing and choose an alternative if a more formal or informal option is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "managed to leave" and simply saying "left"?

"Managed to leave" implies that there was some difficulty or effort involved in leaving, whereas "left" is a more neutral statement of departure. For instance, "They "managed to leave" the burning building" suggests a challenging escape, while "They left the building" simply states that they departed.