managed to see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "managed to see" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone succeeded in seeing or experiencing something, often after some effort or difficulty. Example: "After searching for hours, I finally managed to see the rare bird in its natural habitat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nonetheless, she managed to see her play.

The New Yorker

But we managed to see it through.

The Guardian - Sport

It still managed to see, gradually, a soccer nation developing.

The New York Times

He managed to see the first part of the film.

The Guardian

(Bill Clinton managed to see off the challenge).

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Peldunas, however, managed to see more than her appearance.

The New York Times - Style

During the day, they managed to see everyone.

The New York Times

The shoes were all she had managed to see.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Back in September, Ron Davies managed to see off Mr Morgan's challenge.

The Economist

They managed to see each other every couple of weeks, in New York or Florida.

The New York Times

I managed to see him for a few minutes at the end of the final banquet.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "managed to see" to convey a sense of effort or overcoming difficulty in perceiving something. It subtly emphasizes that seeing wasn't straightforward.

Common error

Avoid using "managed to see" when a simpler "saw" or "noticed" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "managed to see" is as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of the act of seeing, often implying that some effort or overcoming of obstacles was involved. This aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "managed to see" is a versatile verb phrase used to express the successful act of seeing, often with the added implication of effort or overcoming difficulty. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid overusing it in situations where a simpler verb would suffice. By understanding its nuances and related alternatives, you can use "managed to see" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succeeded in seeing

Emphasizes the successful outcome of the act of seeing, highlighting the effort involved.

was able to see

Indicates the capacity or possibility of seeing something, focusing on capability.

succeeded in observing

Focuses on a more deliberate and attentive form of seeing, implying careful observation.

found a way to see

Suggests overcoming obstacles or difficulties in order to see something.

managed to catch a glimpse of

Implies a brief or fleeting view, often obtained with some effort.

overcame obstacles to see

Focuses on the challenges faced and the effort required to achieve the act of seeing.

was successful in spotting

Highlights the act of noticing or identifying something among other things.

contrived to see

Suggests a degree of planning or manipulation to achieve the act of seeing.

achieved seeing

Emphasizes the accomplishment of seeing, presenting it as a notable achievement.

arranged to view

Implies planning or organization to enable the act of seeing.

FAQs

What does "managed to see" mean?

The phrase "managed to see" indicates that someone succeeded in seeing something, often implying effort, difficulty, or a degree of planning was involved.

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

You can use it to describe a situation where seeing something wasn't guaranteed or easy. For example, "Despite the crowd, I "managed to see" the stage clearly."

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

You can use alternatives like "was able to see", "succeeded in seeing", or "managed to catch a glimpse of" depending on the context.

Is "managed to see" formal or informal?

"Managed to see" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.