manipulate the situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "manipulate the situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of influencing or controlling circumstances to achieve a desired outcome. Example: "She was able to manipulate the situation to her advantage during the negotiation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

He added, "It is quite obvious that the Iranians have the upper hand to manipulate the situation in Iraq".

The New York Times

But I try to manipulate the situation, or I'll try to answer my phone and tell him it's an emergency.

The New York Times

It was inappropriate because he was "the Boss" and, I believe, was clearly trying to manipulate the situation to test out whether I would sleep with him.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are the ones who have the privilege of knowing what they want, and they manipulate the situation to their advantage.

The New Yorker

Bedelia knows that he can't manipulate the situation as well as he thinks he can, or at least not as well as Hannibal – a situation which would end with them all being killed and eaten.

The Guardian

The union officials said it was typical of Mr. Schundler to manipulate the situation by focusing on the shoe-shining element of the suit, even though it was only one of several issues.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Konta denied she had manipulated the situation for an extended break between sets.

The Guardian - Sport

But the statement was cryptic about the causes of the violence, blaming "persons and organizations" for manipulating the situation.

The New York Times

■ It is possible that Sana "manipulated the situation in order to put [alleged perpetrator] in a position where she could make an allegation".

The Guardian

It's hard to like anyone here, since whoever's playing the object of desire is always plainly manipulating the situation.

The New York Times - Arts

Palermo's officials says Voces manipulated the situation to make the company look as if it were retaliating against the union drive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "manipulate the situation", consider the ethical implications of your actions, as the term often carries a negative connotation suggesting deceit or unfair advantage. Instead you may consider the use of "manage the situation".

Common error

Avoid using "manipulate the situation" when a more neutral term like "influence the situation" or "manage the situation" would be more appropriate, particularly in professional or academic writing. The word "manipulate" often implies a negative intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "manipulate the situation" functions as a verb phrase where "manipulate" is the transitive verb and "the situation" is the direct object. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. It describes the act of influencing or controlling circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "manipulate the situation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of influencing events, often to one's advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used. However, it carries a potentially negative connotation, so it's best to consider the ethical implications and opt for more neutral alternatives like "manage the situation" or "influence the situation" in contexts where neutrality is preferred. This phrase appears most frequently in news and media, reflecting its common use in describing strategic actions and outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control the situation

Indicates a direct and forceful exercise of power to dictate the events and outcomes.

modify the situation

Emphasizes a slight change or adjustment to the circumstances, implying less control than "manipulate".

manage the situation

Focuses on overseeing and directing the course of events, often in a professional or administrative context.

amend the situation

Highlights the intention of correcting or improving an undesirable state of affairs.

alter the situation

Indicates a more fundamental or comprehensive change to the circumstances.

sway the situation

Suggests influencing the direction or outcome without complete control.

handle the situation

Implies dealing with a challenge or problem effectively, often in a calm and composed manner.

affect the situation

Suggests having an impact on the circumstances without necessarily intending to.

exploit the situation

Implies taking advantage of existing circumstances, often for personal gain.

treat the situation

Focuses on a specific method or approach of dealing with the circumstances at hand.

FAQs

What does it mean to "manipulate the situation"?

To "manipulate the situation" means to control or influence events to one's advantage, often using skillful or cunning methods. This can involve strategies to steer outcomes in a desired direction, sometimes with ethical implications.

What are some synonyms for "manipulate the situation"?

Alternatives to "manipulate the situation" include "influence the situation", "control the situation", "manage the situation", or "alter the situation", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it always wrong to "manipulate the situation"?

The ethics of "manipulating the situation" depend on the intent and consequences. If it involves deception or harm, it's generally considered wrong. However, in some contexts, such as strategic planning or negotiation, it may be viewed as a necessary tactic.

How can I "manage the situation" instead of "manipulating" it?

To "manage the situation" effectively, focus on ethical and transparent strategies. Communicate clearly, consider the needs of all parties involved, and seek mutually beneficial solutions rather than resorting to underhanded tactics.