The “manage to + infinitive” structure is a common and versatile grammatical pattern that frequently appears in IELTS exams. Understanding and using this structure effectively can significantly enhance your performance across all sections of the test. Let’s dive into the intricacies of this structure and explore how to leverage it for IELTS success.
Understanding the “Manage to + Infinitive” Structure
The “manage to + infinitive” structure is used to express that someone has succeeded in doing something, often despite difficulties or challenges. It emphasizes the effort or skill required to accomplish a task. This structure is particularly useful in IELTS writing and speaking tasks, where you need to describe achievements or overcoming obstacles.
Formula: Subject + manage(d) to + infinitive
Examples:
- Despite the heavy traffic, I managed to arrive on time.
- The researchers managed to find a cure for the rare disease.
- She managed to finish the marathon, even though she was injured.
- We barely managed to catch the last train of the night.
- The company managed to increase profits despite the economic downturn.
Frequency in IELTS Exams
The “manage to + infinitive” structure appears regularly in IELTS exams, particularly in:
- Reading passages about achievements or historical events
- Listening tasks involving personal anecdotes or professional accomplishments
- Writing Task 2 essays, especially when discussing challenges and solutions
- Speaking tasks, particularly in Part 2 (long turn) and Part 3 (discussion)
Understanding this structure is crucial for comprehending complex texts and expressing ideas effectively in your own responses.
Applying “Manage to + Infinitive” in IELTS Tasks
IELTS Reading
In reading passages, you may encounter sentences like:
“Despite limited resources, the team managed to complete the project ahead of schedule.”
Understanding this structure helps you quickly grasp the main idea: the team succeeded despite challenges. This comprehension is vital for answering questions accurately and efficiently.
IELTS Listening
In listening tasks, you might hear statements such as:
“Although the weather was terrible, we managed to enjoy our vacation.”
Recognizing this structure helps you identify key information about overcoming obstacles, which is often the focus of listening questions.
IELTS Writing
For Writing Task 2, you can use this structure to discuss solutions to problems or describe successful strategies. For example:
“Many cities have managed to reduce traffic congestion by implementing efficient public transportation systems.”
Using this structure demonstrates your ability to discuss complex ideas and showcases your grammatical range.
IELTS Speaking
In the speaking test, you can use “manage to + infinitive” to describe personal achievements or challenges you’ve overcome. For instance:
“Last year, I managed to learn a new language while working full-time. It was challenging, but I managed to practice every day, and eventually, I managed to become fluent.”
This usage shows your ability to construct complex sentences and express ideas about accomplishments effectively.
Strategies for High Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, consider these advanced uses of “manage to + infinitive”:
-
Combine with other structures:
“Not only did I manage to complete the project on time, but I also managed to exceed the client’s expectations.” -
Use in conditional sentences:
“If we manage to implement these changes, we’ll significantly improve our productivity.” -
Incorporate adverbs for emphasis:
“They barely managed to escape the burning building.” -
Use in passive voice:
“It was managed to be completed within the deadline, despite numerous setbacks.” -
Combine with perfect tenses:
“By the end of the year, we had managed to achieve all our goals.”
These advanced applications demonstrate a high level of grammatical control and vocabulary usage, crucial for achieving band scores of 7 and above.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using “manage to + infinitive,” be careful to avoid these common errors:
-
Incorrect verb form:
❌ “She managed finishing the report.”
✅ “She managed to finish the report.” -
Omitting “to”:
❌ “They managed solve the problem.”
✅ “They managed to solve the problem.” -
Using with modal verbs:
❌ “I can manage to do it.”
✅ “I managed to do it.” or “I can do it.” -
Overuse:
Avoid using “manage to” excessively in your responses. Variety is key to demonstrating language proficiency. -
Inappropriate context:
❌ “I managed to eat breakfast this morning.” (unless there was a particular challenge)
✅ “Despite oversleeping, I managed to eat breakfast before leaving.”
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll use the structure more accurately and effectively in your IELTS responses.
Conclusion
Mastering the “manage to + infinitive” structure can significantly enhance your IELTS performance across all sections of the test. By understanding its usage, applying it effectively in different contexts, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be well-equipped to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency. Remember to practice using this structure in various scenarios to build your confidence and fluency. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, look for opportunities to incorporate “manage to + infinitive” in your responses, always ensuring it’s used appropriately and in context.
For further improvement, consider exploring related structures such as causative verbs followed by infinitives and get + object + to + infinitive, which can complement your use of “manage to + infinitive” and expand your grammatical range for IELTS success.