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A1 noun #169 le plus courant 15 min de lecture

manage

Top 169

At the A1 level, 'manage' is a very helpful word for talking about your daily life and basic abilities. It mostly means 'to be okay' or 'to do something successfully' even if it is a little bit hard. For example, if you have a lot of bags, someone might ask, 'Can you manage?' They are asking if you can carry them. You can say, 'Yes, I can manage,' which means 'I am okay, I can do it.' You also use it to say you did something difficult: 'I managed to finish my homework.' This shows you are a good student who works hard. It is a simple word that helps you talk about your successes every day. You don't need big words to show you are capable; you just need to say you can manage.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'manage' in more specific ways, like talking about money or time. You might say, 'I need to manage my money better,' which means you want to save more and spend less. You also learn that 'manage' can be about people. A 'manager' is a person who tells others what to do at work. You might say, 'My manager is very kind.' You are also using the 'manage to' structure more often to tell stories about things that were difficult but ended well. For example, 'It was raining, but we managed to have a picnic anyway.' This adds more detail to your speaking and shows you can handle different situations.

At the B1 level, 'manage' becomes a key word for discussing professional and personal responsibilities. You use it to describe your skills in a job interview, such as 'managing projects' or 'managing a small team.' You also use it to talk about emotional health, like 'managing stress' or 'managing expectations.' At this level, you understand that 'manage' implies a level of organization and strategy. It's not just about doing a task; it's about doing it in a smart way. You might also use the word in the context of health, like 'managing a diet.' You are moving beyond simple actions to more complex processes of control and oversight.

At the B2 level, you use 'manage' with more nuance and in more formal contexts. You might discuss 'crisis management' or 'resource management' in a business essay. You understand the difference between 'managing' and 'leading'—managing is about the process, while leading is about the people and the vision. You also use the word to describe complex social dynamics, such as 'managing a difficult relationship.' You are comfortable using the word in its various forms (management, manageable, managerial) and can use it to express subtle differences in meaning. For example, you might say a task is 'barely manageable,' which means it is almost too difficult to do.

At the C1 level, you use 'manage' to describe sophisticated concepts in fields like economics, politics, and psychology. You might talk about 'managing public perception' or 'macroeconomic management.' You understand how the word is used in idiomatic expressions and can use it with high precision. You might use it to describe the delicate balance of power in a organization, or the way a writer 'manages' the pace of a novel. At this level, 'manage' is about the expert application of skill and influence. You can also use it ironically or metaphorically, showing a deep mastery of the English language and its cultural connotations.

At the C2 level, you have a complete and effortless command of the word 'manage.' You can use it in highly specialized academic or professional discourse, discussing things like 'the management of complex systems' or 'evolutionary management.' You are aware of the word's historical development and can use its more archaic or literary meanings if necessary. You can use 'manage' to convey very specific tones, from the clinical to the poetic. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can use the word to navigate the most complex and subtle communicative situations with ease and grace.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

manage en 30 secondes

To handle or control a situation successfully.
To succeed in doing something difficult (manage to).
To be in charge of a business or a team.
To deal with emotions or physical challenges effectively.

The word manage is a versatile term that primarily functions as a verb, though in very specific, often archaic contexts, it has been used as a noun. At its core, to manage something means to handle, direct, or control it with a degree of skill or authority. In the context of CEFR A1 learners, we focus on the most common everyday usage: the ability to deal with a situation, a task, or even one's own emotions successfully. When you manage something, you are not just a passive observer; you are the person in the driver's seat, making decisions that lead to a desired outcome. This could be as simple as managing your time so you aren't late for school, or as complex as managing a large team at a multinational corporation. The beauty of the word lies in its scalability; it applies to the tiny details of personal life and the grand strategies of global business.

Daily Life Application: In your everyday routine, you manage your schedule. This involves deciding when to wake up, when to eat, and how much time to spend on homework. If you 'manage' to finish your chores early, it implies that it took some effort or planning, but you were successful.

I have a lot of homework today, but I think I can manage it if I start now.

Furthermore, the word often carries a connotation of overcoming a challenge. If a task is easy, we might just say we 'did' it. But if a task is difficult, we say we 'managed' it. This nuance is crucial for learners to understand. It suggests a triumph over potential chaos or failure. For instance, managing a budget during a period of high inflation requires more than just spending money; it requires careful calculation, sacrifice, and foresight. In social settings, managing a conversation might mean steering the topic away from something uncomfortable or ensuring that everyone feels included. It is an active, conscious process of regulation.

Emotional Regulation: Managing emotions is a key part of maturity. It means recognizing when you are angry or sad and choosing a healthy way to respond, rather than letting the emotion control your actions.

Historically, the word comes from the Italian 'maneggiare', which referred to handling or training horses. This imagery is helpful: just as a rider guides a powerful horse with subtle movements of the reins, a person manages a project or a situation by applying gentle but firm control. You aren't forcing the situation to stop; you are guiding its energy toward a specific goal. This is why we use 'manage' for people (like a manager in an office) and for physical objects (like managing a heavy load). In modern English, the word has expanded to include the concept of 'getting by' or 'surviving' with limited resources. If someone asks, 'How are you doing?' and you respond, 'I'm managing,' you are saying that things are difficult, but you are still in control and haven't given up.

Even with very little money, the family managed to stay happy and healthy.

Professional Context: In a business setting, managing involves planning, organizing, and supervising. A manager is responsible for the output of others, ensuring that the collective effort meets the company's objectives.

In summary, 'manage' is a word of agency. It describes the human capacity to organize the world around us. Whether you are managing a small pet, a large bank account, or your own stress levels, you are demonstrating the ability to influence outcomes through effort and intelligence. It is a fundamental skill that begins in childhood and continues to develop throughout one's life. By mastering this word, you are learning to describe the very act of taking responsibility for your life and your environment. It is more than just 'doing'; it is 'doing with purpose and control'.

Can you manage the grill while I go inside to get the plates?

She manages a small cafe in the city center.

Using 'manage' correctly requires understanding its different grammatical structures. The most common way to use it is as a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. You manage 'something'. That 'something' can be a noun (like a project, a team, or money) or a verb phrase (usually starting with 'to'). When you use it with a noun, you are describing the act of controlling or organizing that thing. For example, 'I manage my time' means you organize your schedule. When you use it with 'to' and another verb, it means you succeeded in doing something, often despite difficulties. 'I managed to catch the bus' implies the bus was almost gone, or you were running late, but you made it.

Structure: Manage + Noun: This is used for objects, people, or abstract concepts. Example: 'He manages the local football team.' Here, he is the leader and organizer.

It is hard to manage three children and a full-time job.

Another important aspect is the use of 'manage' in questions and negatives. In the negative form, 'cannot manage' or 'didn't manage' often expresses a failure to cope or a failure to achieve a goal. 'I can't manage all this work' suggests the speaker is overwhelmed. In questions, 'Can you manage?' is a very common and polite way to ask if someone needs help. It's less direct than 'Do you need help?' and focuses on the other person's ability to handle the situation. If someone is carrying many bags, you might ask, 'Can you manage?' If they say 'I'll manage,' they are politely declining help, asserting that they have the situation under control.

Structure: Manage + To + Verb: This structure highlights the success of an action. Example: 'We managed to find the keys in the dark.' It emphasizes the difficulty of finding them.

In more advanced usage, 'manage' can be used intransitively, meaning it doesn't need an object. This usually happens in the context of 'getting by'. For example, 'We don't have much money, but we manage.' Here, the meaning of 'coping' is implied. This is a very common way to talk about survival or resilience. It shows that even without ideal circumstances, the person is finding a way to continue. You might also hear it in the phrase 'manage without', which means to survive or function even though something is missing. 'I can't manage without my morning coffee' is a humorous way of saying you really need it to start your day.

Did you manage to get a ticket for the concert before they sold out?

The 'How' of Management: Often, we add adverbs to describe how someone manages. You can manage something 'well', 'badly', 'efficiently', or 'successfully'. This adds more detail to the level of control being exercised.

Finally, consider the tense. 'I am managing' (present continuous) often refers to an ongoing struggle or task. 'I managed' (past simple) refers to a completed success. 'I will manage' (future) is a promise of competence or a refusal of help. Understanding these nuances helps you sound more natural. For an A1 learner, the most important thing is to remember that 'manage' is about being 'okay' and 'in control'. If you can remember that, you can use it in dozens of different situations every day.

I don't know how she manages to stay so calm during emergencies.

The company is managed by a board of directors.

You will hear 'manage' in almost every environment where English is spoken, from the kitchen to the boardroom. In a professional setting, it is perhaps one of the most frequent words used. You’ll hear about 'project management', 'middle management', and 'time management'. In these contexts, it refers to the systematic process of planning and oversight. If you work in an office, your boss might ask, 'How are you managing your workload?' This isn't just asking if you are doing the work, but if you are organizing it in a way that is sustainable and effective. It’s a word that carries the weight of responsibility and professional competence.

In the Workplace: 'We need to manage our resources better.' This means using money, time, or people more wisely to achieve a goal.

He was promoted because he managed the crisis so effectively.

In everyday social interactions, the word is used much more informally. You might hear a parent say to a child, 'Can you manage that big glass of water?' or a friend saying, 'I managed to get us a table at that new restaurant.' In these cases, it’s about physical capability or successful navigation of a social situation. It’s also very common in the context of health and wellness. Doctors talk about 'managing pain' or 'managing a chronic condition'. This implies that while the condition might not be cured, it can be controlled so that the patient can live a relatively normal life. This usage is very empowering; it shifts the focus from being a victim of a disease to being an active participant in one's own health.

In Healthcare: 'Managing stress' is a common phrase in therapy and self-help. It involves techniques like meditation or exercise to keep stress levels under control.

You will also encounter 'manage' in news reports and political discussions. Governments 'manage the economy', 'manage the border', or 'manage public expectations'. In these high-stakes environments, the word suggests a delicate balancing act. It implies that the situation is complex and requires constant attention and adjustment. If a government 'fails to manage' a situation, it often leads to public outcry. This highlights the expectation of competence that the word 'manage' carries. When we say someone is 'managing', we are giving them credit for keeping things running smoothly despite the challenges.

The city managed the large crowds during the festival without any major incidents.

In Technology: You might see 'Manage Account' or 'Manage Settings' on websites. This is where you go to change your password, update your info, or control how the app works.

Finally, 'manage' is a staple of literature and film. Characters are often defined by how they manage adversity. A hero is someone who manages to save the day against all odds. A tragic figure might be someone who fails to manage their own flaws. By paying attention to how this word is used in stories, you can gain a deeper understanding of human character and motivation. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane tasks of life and the grand themes of human existence.

Somehow, they managed to survive in the wilderness for a whole week.

The software helps users manage their digital photos.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'manage' is confusing it with 'control' or 'handle'. While they are similar, 'manage' often implies a more complex, ongoing process or a successful outcome despite difficulty. You 'control' a car, but you 'manage' a fleet of cars. You 'handle' a tool, but you 'manage' a project. Another very common grammatical error is using the wrong verb form after 'manage'. Many students mistakenly use the '-ing' form (the gerund). For example, they might say, 'I managed finishing the work.' This is incorrect. In English, 'manage' must be followed by the 'to' infinitive: 'I managed to finish the work.'

The Gerund Trap: Incorrect: She managed passing the exam. Correct: She managed to pass the exam. Always remember the 'to'!

Don't worry, I managed to fix the leak myself.

Another mistake involves the word 'manager'. Sometimes learners use 'manage' when they mean 'manager' (the person). For example, 'I need to speak to the manage.' This is wrong. You must use the noun form for the person: 'I need to speak to the manager.' Conversely, don't use 'manager' as a verb. You can't 'manager a team'; you 'manage a team'. It's also important to distinguish between 'manage' and 'cope'. While they can be synonyms, 'cope' is often used for emotional or difficult situations without a specific object. You 'cope with' stress, but you 'manage' stress. 'Manage' sounds a bit more active and organized, while 'cope' sounds more like you are just surviving.

Manage vs. Cope: 'I am coping' means I am surviving. 'I am managing' means I am organizing and handling things. 'Manage' is more proactive.

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'a' in the second syllable is a 'schwa' sound (/ə/), making it sound like 'man-idj'. Some learners try to pronounce the 'a' too clearly, like 'man-age' (rhyming with 'page'). This sounds unnatural. The focus should be on the first syllable, with the rest of the word trailing off softly. Additionally, in the past tense 'managed', the 'ed' sounds like a 'd', not a separate syllable. It's 'man-idjd', not 'man-idj-ed'. Practicing these small phonetic details will make your speech sound much more fluent and native-like.

We managed to arrive on time despite the heavy traffic.

Preposition Pitfalls: You manage 'a situation' (no preposition), but you manage 'to do' something. Don't say 'manage with a situation' unless you mean 'getting by' using that situation as a tool.

Finally, be careful with the phrase 'I'll manage'. While it's usually polite, if said with a sharp tone, it can sound dismissive or angry, as if you are telling the other person to go away. Context and tone are everything. In a friendly context, it means 'I'm okay, thanks!' In a tense context, it might mean 'I don't want your help.' As an A1 learner, stick to using it with a smile to ensure you are understood correctly. Understanding these common pitfalls will help you use 'manage' with confidence and precision in any situation.

Can you manage the meeting while I'm away next week?

He manages his money very carefully.

To truly master 'manage', it helps to compare it with its synonyms and see where they differ. The most common alternatives are 'handle', 'control', 'direct', 'supervise', and 'cope'. Each of these has a slightly different flavor. 'Handle' is often more physical or immediate. You handle a difficult customer or a heavy box. 'Control' implies a stronger, more absolute power. A pilot controls a plane. 'Direct' and 'supervise' are more about oversight and giving instructions to others, often used in professional contexts. 'Manage' is the broad umbrella that can include all of these, but it specifically emphasizes the success and the organization of the effort.

Manage vs. Handle: 'Handle' is for the immediate action. 'Manage' is for the long-term process. You handle a phone call, but you manage a communications department.

I can handle this problem, don't worry.

Another set of alternatives involves the idea of 'getting by'. Words like 'survive', 'endure', or 'make do' are related to the intransitive use of 'manage'. If you 'make do' with something, you are using what you have, even if it's not perfect. This is very close to 'managing' in a difficult situation. However, 'manage' sounds a bit more positive and capable. 'Endure' sounds like you are just suffering through something, whereas 'manage' sounds like you are actively dealing with it. In a business context, you might use 'administer' or 'run'. 'She runs a successful business' is a more informal and dynamic way of saying 'She manages a successful business'.

Manage vs. Run: 'Run' is more energetic and informal. 'Manage' is more formal and implies administrative skill. You 'run' a shop, but you 'manage' an investment portfolio.

When talking about success, you can use 'achieve', 'succeed', or 'accomplish'. 'I managed to finish' is very similar to 'I succeeded in finishing'. The difference is that 'manage' often implies that there was a risk of failure or that it was a struggle. 'Achieve' and 'accomplish' sound more formal and are usually used for big goals, like 'achieving a dream' or 'accomplishing a mission'. 'Manage' is more down-to-earth and can be used for small, daily victories. For example, you wouldn't say you 'achieved' catching the bus, but you would say you 'managed' to catch it. This makes 'manage' a very useful word for everyday storytelling.

They succeeded in reaching the summit before sunset.

Manage vs. Organize: 'Organize' is about putting things in order. 'Manage' is about keeping them in order and making sure they work. You organize a shelf, but you manage a warehouse.

In summary, while there are many words that overlap with 'manage', none of them quite capture its unique blend of control, success, and resilience. By understanding these alternatives, you can choose the word that best fits the specific situation you are describing. Whether you want to sound professional, capable, or just like someone who is doing their best, 'manage' is often the perfect choice. As you progress in your English studies, you will find yourself reaching for this word more and more often to describe the complex reality of your life and work.

She supervises a team of ten developers.

I'll make do with this old laptop for now.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The word is related to the Latin word 'manus', which means 'hand'. So, to manage literally means to 'hand' something.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈmæn.ɪdʒ/

US /ˈmæn.ədʒ/

The stress is on the first syllable: MAN-age.

Rime avec

damage homage plumage rummage bandage baggage package message

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'a' in the second syllable like 'age' (rhyming with 'page').
Making the 'g' sound hard like in 'go'.
Adding an extra syllable in the past tense 'managed'.
Forgetting the 'e' at the end when writing.
Confusing the vowel sounds in the first and second syllables.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.

Écriture 2/5

Learners often forget the 'to' after manage or the 'e' at the end.

Expression orale 2/5

The pronunciation of the second syllable can be tricky for some.

Écoute 1/5

It is a clear, distinct word that is easy to hear.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

do can work help time

Apprends ensuite

handle control organize success responsibility

Avancé

administration supervision governance oversight stewardship

Grammaire à connaître

Manage + To + Infinitive

I managed to see the movie.

Manage + Direct Object

She manages the store.

Can/Could + Manage (Intransitive)

I can manage, thanks.

Passive Voice with Manage

The project was managed by Tom.

Gerund after Prepositions

He is good at managing time.

Exemples par niveau

I can manage the heavy bag.

Je peux porter le sac lourd.

Subject + can + manage + object.

Did you manage to sleep?

As-tu réussi à dormir ?

Did + subject + manage + to + verb.

She manages to smile every day.

Elle réussit à sourire chaque jour.

Third person singular adds 's'.

We managed to find the house.

Nous avons réussi à trouver la maison.

Past tense of manage is 'managed'.

Can you manage alone?

Peux-tu te débrouiller seul ?

Manage used intransitively here.

I'll manage, thank you.

Je m'en sortirai, merci.

Future tense 'will' + manage.

He managed to finish the race.

Il a réussi à finir la course.

Manage + to + infinitive.

They managed the project well.

Ils ont bien géré le projet.

Manage + object + adverb.

I need to manage my time better.

Je dois mieux gérer mon temps.

Manage + possessive + noun.

She is the manager of the shop.

Elle est la directrice du magasin.

Manager is the noun for the person.

How do you manage your money?

Comment gères-tu ton argent ?

Question form with 'do'.

We managed to save some money.

Nous avons réussi à économiser de l'argent.

Manage + to + verb.

He manages a small team at work.

Il dirige une petite équipe au travail.

Manage meaning 'to lead'.

I can't manage all this work.

Je ne peux pas gérer tout ce travail.

Negative form 'cannot manage'.

Did they manage to catch the train?

Ont-ils réussi à attraper le train ?

Past tense question.

She managed to learn English in a year.

Elle a réussi à apprendre l'anglais en un an.

Manage + to + verb phrase.

It's important to manage your stress.

Il est important de gérer son stress.

Infinitive as a subject complement.

He managed the transition very smoothly.

Il a géré la transition très en douceur.

Manage + noun + adverb.

Can you manage to be here by five?

Peux-tu t'arranger pour être ici à cinq heures ?

Manage to + be + prepositional phrase.

She's very good at managing people.

Elle est très douée pour gérer les gens.

Gerund 'managing' after 'at'.

We managed to avoid the traffic jams.

Nous avons réussi à éviter les embouteillages.

Manage + to + avoid.

He manages his diabetes with diet.

Il gère son diabète par le régime alimentaire.

Manage + medical condition.

I don't know how she manages it all.

Je ne sais pas comment elle gère tout ça.

Manage + pronoun 'it'.

They managed to reach an agreement.

Ils ont réussi à parvenir à un accord.

Manage + to + reach.

The company is managed by a board.

L'entreprise est gérée par un conseil d'administration.

Passive voice 'is managed'.

He managed to alienate his colleagues.

Il a réussi à s'aliéner ses collègues.

Ironical use of 'managed to'.

How will the city manage the crisis?

Comment la ville va-t-elle gérer la crise ?

Future question.

She managed the expectations of the client.

Elle a géré les attentes du client.

Manage + abstract noun.

We must manage our natural resources.

Nous devons gérer nos ressources naturelles.

Modal 'must' + manage.

He managed to escape from the prison.

Il a réussi à s'échapper de la prison.

Manage + to + escape.

The software manages the data flow.

Le logiciel gère le flux de données.

Technical usage.

I managed to get a discount on the car.

J'ai réussi à obtenir une réduction sur la voiture.

Manage + to + get.

The central bank manages the currency.

La banque centrale gère la monnaie.

Institutional subject.

She managed to navigate the bureaucracy.

Elle a réussi à naviguer dans la bureaucratie.

Metaphorical usage.

He managed the project with aplomb.

Il a géré le projet avec aplomb.

Manage + noun + prepositional phrase.

They managed to salvage the reputation.

Ils ont réussi à sauver la réputation.

Manage + to + salvage.

The director managed the actors' egos.

Le réalisateur a géré les egos des acteurs.

Psychological usage.

How do you manage such a vast estate?

Comment gérez-vous un domaine aussi vaste ?

Manage + large-scale object.

She managed to keep her composure.

Elle a réussi à garder son sang-froid.

Manage + to + keep + noun.

He managed the risk of the investment.

Il a géré le risque de l'investissement.

Financial context.

He managed the delicate negotiations.

Il a mené les négociations délicates.

High-level professional context.

She managed to circumvent the law.

Elle a réussi à contourner la loi.

Legal context.

The ecosystem manages its own balance.

L'écosystème gère son propre équilibre.

Scientific/Natural context.

He managed the estate's transition.

Il a géré la transition du domaine.

Historical/Formal context.

She managed to synthesize the theories.

Elle a réussi à synthétiser les théories.

Academic context.

They managed the fallout from the scandal.

Ils ont géré les retombées du scandale.

PR/Political context.

He managed the intricate machinery.

Il a manipulé les machines complexes.

Technical/Expert context.

She managed to outmaneuver her rivals.

Elle a réussi à surpasser ses rivaux.

Strategic context.

Synonymes

handle control cope deal with regulate direct

Antonymes

fail neglect lose control

Collocations courantes

manage time

manage money

manage a team

manage stress

manage a project

manage to escape

manage expectations

manage a crisis

manage a business

manage to survive

Phrases Courantes

I'll manage.

Can you manage?

Manage to do something

Manage without

Manage on your own

Manage a situation

Manage your temper

Manage a household

Manage a budget

Manage to get

Souvent confondu avec

manage vs control

Control is about power; manage is about organization and success.

manage vs handle

Handle is often more physical or immediate than manage.

manage vs cope

Cope is about surviving; manage is about organizing and succeeding.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Manage to keep a straight face"

To succeed in not laughing when something is funny.

I managed to keep a straight face during the meeting.

neutral

"Manage to pull it off"

To succeed in doing something very difficult.

It was a hard task, but we managed to pull it off.

informal

"Manage to stay afloat"

To have just enough money to pay your bills.

The business is struggling, but we're managing to stay afloat.

neutral

"Manage to scrape by"

To live with very little money.

They are managing to scrape by on his small pension.

informal

"Manage to make ends meet"

To have enough money to pay for the things you need.

It's hard to manage to make ends meet these days.

neutral

"Manage to get by"

To survive or deal with a situation with difficulty.

I don't speak much Spanish, but I manage to get by.

neutral

"Manage to find your feet"

To become familiar with a new situation or job.

It took a few weeks, but I've managed to find my feet.

neutral

"Manage to hold your own"

To be as successful as other people in a difficult situation.

He managed to hold his own in the debate.

neutral

"Manage to weather the storm"

To survive a difficult period or situation.

The company managed to weather the storm of the recession.

neutral

"Manage to keep your head above water"

To just deal with a difficult situation without failing.

I'm so busy, I'm just managing to keep my head above water.

informal

Facile à confondre

manage vs manager

It is the noun for the person.

Manage is the action; manager is the person doing the action.

The manager manages the team.

manage vs management

It is the abstract noun.

Manage is the verb; management is the system or the group of people.

The management is very good here.

manage vs manageable

It is the adjective.

Manage is the verb; manageable describes something that can be managed.

The workload is manageable.

manage vs manège

It sounds similar and is the origin.

Manège is a French word for a riding school; manage is the English verb.

The horses were in the manège.

manage vs manger

Similar spelling.

A manger is a box for animal food; manage is a verb.

The hay was in the manger.

Structures de phrases

I can manage.

I can manage the bags.

I managed to [verb].

I managed to finish.

She manages [noun].

She manages the shop.

Do you manage [noun]?

Do you manage your time?

It is hard to manage [noun].

It is hard to manage stress.

He is good at managing [noun].

He is good at managing people.

[Noun] is managed by [noun].

The team is managed by Sarah.

Manage to [verb] with [noun].

He managed to win with ease.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

I managed finishing the work. → I managed to finish the work.
You must use the 'to' infinitive after manage.
He is the manage of the shop. → He is the manager of the shop.
Use the noun 'manager' for the person.
I can't manage with the stress. → I can't manage the stress.
Usually, you manage something directly without 'with'.
She managed to learned English. → She managed to learn English.
After 'to', use the base form of the verb.
The manage was very difficult. → The management was very difficult.
Use 'management' for the noun of the action.

Astuces

The 'To' Rule

Always follow 'manage' with 'to' when using another verb. 'I managed to win.'

Professional Tone

Use 'manage' instead of 'do' in your resume to sound more responsible.

The Soft G

The 'g' in manage is soft, like the 'j' in 'juice'. Don't say it like the 'g' in 'game'.

Offering Help

Ask 'Can you manage?' if you see someone struggling with a task. It's very polite.

The Silent E

Don't forget the 'e' at the end of 'manage'. It's essential for the correct spelling.

Business Usage

In business, 'manage' often implies planning and organizing, not just doing.

Straight Face

Use 'manage to keep a straight face' when you are trying not to laugh.

Managing Stress

This is a very common phrase. Use it to talk about how you stay calm.

Schwa Sound

The second 'a' in manage is a schwa sound /ə/. It's very short and weak.

Synonym Variety

Try using 'oversee' or 'supervise' for variety in formal reports.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a MAN with an AGE. A MAN of a certain AGE is usually good at MANAGE-ing things.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person's HANDS (from the Latin 'manus') carefully holding and moving pieces of a puzzle into place.

Word Web

control handle boss success time money stress team

Défi

Try to use the word 'manage' three times today: once for a success, once for a task, and once for a person.

Origine du mot

From the Italian word 'maneggiare', which means to handle, especially to handle or train horses.

Sens originel : The act of handling or training a horse.

Italic -> Romance -> Italian -> French -> English.

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'manage' for people; it can sometimes sound like you are treating them like objects. Use 'lead' or 'support' for a more positive tone.

In the UK and US, 'middle management' is a common term for the layer of managers between workers and executives.

'The Effective Executive' by Peter Drucker (a famous book on management). The TV show 'The Office' (about a manager and his team). The phrase 'Crisis Management' in political news.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At Work

manage a team
manage a project
manage a budget
report to the manager

At Home

manage the chores
manage the kids
manage the bills
manage a household

Personal Life

manage time
manage stress
manage money
manage to arrive

Health

manage pain
manage a diet
manage a condition
manage stress levels

Travel

manage the luggage
manage to find the hotel
manage the schedule
manage the tickets

Amorces de conversation

"How do you manage your time during a busy week?"

"Do you think it is hard to manage a large team of people?"

"What is the most difficult thing you have managed to do recently?"

"How do you manage to stay calm when you are very stressed?"

"Can you manage to cook a big dinner for ten people?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you managed to do something very difficult. How did you feel?

Describe how you manage your daily routine. What tools do you use?

If you were a manager of a big company, how would you treat your employees?

Think about a situation you failed to manage. What would you do differently now?

How do you manage your money? Do you have a budget or a plan?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

In modern English, 'manage' is almost always a verb. It means to handle or control something. The noun form for the person is 'manager' and for the concept is 'management'.

No, that is a common mistake. You must say 'I managed to do it'. Always use the 'to' infinitive after 'manage'.

'Handle' is often for physical things or quick tasks (handle a box, handle a call). 'Manage' is for longer processes or more complex situations (manage a project, manage a team).

It is pronounced as two syllables: 'man-idjd'. The 'ed' sounds like a 'd' attached to the end of the word.

It means 'I can do it myself' or 'I don't need help'. It is a polite way to show you are capable.

It is neutral and can be used in both formal (business) and informal (daily life) situations.

It is the skill of organizing your time so that you can finish all your tasks efficiently.

Yes, in a business context, you can manage a team or an employee. It means you are their boss and you oversee their work.

The most direct opposites are 'fail' (not succeeding) or 'mismanage' (managing badly).

Yes, in phrases like 'we're managing', it means you are getting by or surviving despite difficulties.