manning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "manning" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of staffing or operating a position, often in relation to a team or a task that requires personnel. Example: "We need to ensure that we have enough staff manning the front desk during peak hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"On the ground, workers manning the Tiger desks wear no identifying insignia, as if part of some airline staff witness protection program".

The Guardian - Travel

That allows Pakistan to begin to restore its ties with America, after they were strained almost to breaking following the deaths, in November, of 24 Pakistani soldiers manning a post on the Afghan border.

The Economist

One soldier from the interior ministry, manning a checkpoint near Shyrokyne, calls the group a "separate government".

The Economist

People organise timetables for the checkpoints and for manning the entrances to hospitals.

The Economist

Volunteers manning the phones are given a detailed script.

The Economist

In today's clubs you are as likely to see a DJ hunched over the ubiquitous MacBook as manning the wheels of steel.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Two of the three main candidates to lead the new party are from Alberta: Preston Manning, who founded Reform in 1987, and Stockwell Day, a former finance minister in the province.Neither man would be out of place among America's Republicans.

The Economist

But for anyone with energy left, here is my print column: IN MUCH of continental Europe, where over-manning is rife, two separate arbiters are needed to settle the essential Christmas question of whether children have been naughty or nice.

The Economist

Twelve months later it went to Chelsea Manning, Bradley as he was then, who this year was sentenced to 35 years in jail for leaking state secrets.

The Guardian

The Guardian's 2012 person of the year vote has concluded and the winner, after some rather fishy voting patterns that belied earlier reader comments on the poll, is Bradley Manning, the US whistleblower on trial for leaking state secrets.

The Guardian

Andy Manning, head of network regulation at British Gas, welcomed the Ofgem proposals but believed more could be done to cut those particular costs.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "manning" to describe the act of staffing a position, especially when emphasizing the physical presence and operation of equipment or a station. For example, "Soldiers were 'manning' the checkpoints."

Common error

Avoid using "manning" in contexts where the staffing is not actively operational or where the term might be misconstrued as gender-specific. Instead, use alternatives like "staffing" or "operating" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "manning" is as a verb, specifically the present participle of "man." It indicates the action of occupying and operating a station or post. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it conveys active participation and control. The auxiliary verb and context determine the tense.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "manning" functions as a verb to describe staffing and operating a post or equipment, as supported by Ludwig. Though generally neutral, it's crucial to ensure the term is not misinterpreted, particularly regarding gender inclusivity. Consider "staffing" as an alternative. The term is commonly found in news and media sources, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, indicating its consistent use in describing operational contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

staffing

Replaces the verb "manning" with a gerund form implying the act of providing personnel.

operating

Focuses on the action of running or controlling equipment or a station.

crewing

Emphasizes the provision of a team or crew to operate something.

overseeing

Highlights the supervisory aspect of managing a post or operation.

supervising

Similar to overseeing but with a stronger emphasis on direct management.

attending

Implies being present and taking care of duties at a specific location.

tending

Focuses on the act of caring for or managing something.

guarding

Stresses the protective aspect of being stationed at a location.

stationing

Emphasizes the placement of personnel at a specific point.

officiating

Highlights the act of performing official duties at a post.

FAQs

How is "manning" typically used in a sentence?

The term "manning" is used to describe the act of staffing or operating a position, often one that involves operating equipment or guarding a location. For example, "The soldiers were 'manning' the checkpoints."

What are some alternatives to using "manning"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "staffing", "operating", or "crewing".

Is "manning" considered a gender-neutral term?

While traditionally associated with men, "manning" can be used in a gender-neutral context to describe staffing positions. However, to avoid potential ambiguity or outdated connotations, consider using "staffing" as a more inclusive alternative.

What is the difference between "manning" and "staffing"?

"Manning" often implies active operation or guarding of a specific post, while "staffing" refers more broadly to the act of providing personnel for a role or function. "Manning" suggests more direct, hands-on operation or occupation of a station.