What is manage? Pronunciation and usage in English

manage means . Learn how to pronounce and use manage through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of manage

manageverb

/ˈmanɪdʒ/
Definition & pronunciation of manage

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "manage" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "Man": Pronounced like the word "man" (as in, a male person) – /mæn/ (the "n" sound is nasal, meaning it comes partly through your nose).
  • "Age": Pronounced like "edge" – /eɪdʒ/ (the "a" is a short, unstressed sound like in "cat," and the "e" is a long, open "ay" sound like in "say").

2. Putting it Together:

When you combine them, it’s: /mænɪdʒ/

3. Stress:

  • Stress is on the first syllable: "MAN". This is the most important part.

4. More Detailed Breakdown (helpful for getting the nasal sound):

  • "Man" (/mæn/):
    • Your tongue is slightly raised towards the roof of your mouth.
    • Feel the vibration in your nose as you say the "n." That's key to getting the nasal quality.
  • "Age" (/eɪdʒ/):
    • The "a" sound is short and quick.
    • The "eɪ" (ay) sound is a diphthong - a glide from one vowel sound to another – like the "a" in "say."

5. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it:

  • Google it: Search for "how to pronounce manage" on Google and click the audio button.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/manage/ This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce manage" on YouTube - you'll find many pronunciation videos.

Tips for Improvement:

  • Record yourself: Say "manage" and listen back. Compare it to how a native speaker sounds.
  • Practice slowly: Don't rush. Focus on each syllable and the nasal sound.
  • Think of similar words: “Plan” and “tan” can help you hear the nasal “n” sound.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some practice phrases using "manage"?

Usage and examples with the word manage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "manage" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. To Control or Direct (Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: To be in charge of; to direct or control something, often with difficulty.
  • Examples:
    • "She manages a team of ten employees." (She's in charge of them.)
    • "He manages the company’s finances." (He controls how the company’s money is handled.)
    • "The captain managed the ship through the storm." (He controlled the ship.)
    • "I need to manage my time better." (I need to control how I spend my time.)

2. To Deal With Successfully (Often with Challenges)

  • Definition: To cope with or handle something difficult or problematic. It often implies overcoming obstacles.
  • Examples:
    • "How did you manage to get everything done?" (How did you succeed in doing all that, despite the difficulty?)
    • "I managed to finish the project on time, even though I was really busy." (I succeeded in finishing on time, despite the busy situation.)
    • "She managed to calm the crying baby." (She successfully dealt with the baby's crying.)
    • “We managed to find a hotel room at the last minute.” (We succeeded in finding a room, even though it was difficult.)

3. To Be Able To (Expressing Capability)

  • Definition: To have the ability or skill to do something. This is often used with "to."
  • Examples:
    • "Do you manage to speak French?" (Are you able to speak French?)
    • "I manage to get to work on time every day." (I am able to get to work on time.)
    • "She manages to juggle work and family life quite well." (She is capable of handling both.)

4. To Arrange or Organize

  • Definition: To arrange or organize something, often for a specific purpose.
  • Examples:
    • "I need to manage my holiday bookings." (I need to arrange my holiday bookings.)
    • "The organizers managed to secure a venue for the event." (They arranged a venue.)

5. (Less Common, Informal) To Survive or Get By

  • Definition: To make do with limited resources; to survive in difficult circumstances.
  • Examples:
    • "They managed to survive the winter with very little food." (They got by on little food.)

Key Phrases with "Manage":

  • Manage to: (Expressing success in doing something difficult) “I managed to catch the train.”
  • Manage without: (To cope without something) “I can manage without a car.”
  • Manage with: (To be able to do something with assistance or a specific resource) "We managed with a small loan."

Tips for Using "Manage":

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of “manage” depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Consider synonyms: Depending on the nuance you want to convey, consider synonyms like control, direct, handle, cope, succeed, arrange, organize.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of situation are you trying to use “manage” in? (e.g., work, personal life, a specific task?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word manage

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