What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
manage
Example
She manages a team of ten employees at the company. [manage: verb]
Example
I need to manage my time better to get everything done. [manage: verb]
Example
The project manager is responsible for managing the project from start to finish. [managing: present participle]
supervise
Example
He supervises a team of technicians in the manufacturing plant. [supervises: verb]
Example
The teacher needs to supervise the students during the exam. [supervise: verb]
Example
The supervisor is responsible for supervising the work of the employees to ensure it meets the company's standards. [supervising: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Manage is more commonly used than supervise in everyday language. Manage is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while supervise is more specific and often used in professional or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between manage and supervise?
Both manage and supervise can be used in formal and informal contexts, but supervise is more commonly used in professional or technical contexts, while manage is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.