ENGLISH
REFERENCE

manage to do sth

fixed phr..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. to succeed in doing something, especially when it is difficult or you are very busy.

fixed phr.. to succeed in accomplishing a task or achieving a result despite obstacles or limited resources; functions as a catenative verb followed by a to-infinitive.


SIMPLE

I managed to finish my homework before the movie started.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the heavy traffic and the rain, we managed to arrive at the airport just in time for our flight.

COMPLEX

The diplomatic team managed to secure a ceasefire agreement after weeks of intense negotiations and several failed attempts at mediation.

Usage

always followed by an infinitive with 'to' and usually implies that the action required some effort.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'can' or 'could'; 'managed to' emphasizes the successful completion of a specific, difficult action rather than a general ability.

Pitfall

I managed finishing the report.I managed to finish the report.the verb 'manage' must be followed by a to-infinitive, not a gerund (-ing form).

© 2026 English Reference