Looks staggering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Looks staggering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears impressive or overwhelming, often in a positive context. Example: "The view from the mountain top looks staggering, with the vast landscape stretching out before us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

At least Sen. McCain is still rhetorically committed to deficit reduction; Sen. Obama's campaign pretty much shrugs it off, pointing out that although the absolute deficit looks staggering (it could hit $500 billion next year), it's currently only 2.5% of gross domestic product, about half what it was in 1992.

Forbes

From the Blaine school of dramatic singing, this number involves a lot of anguished looks, staggering back, and raising fisted hands.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But since India starts from a low per capita income base and has the advantage of volumes, the projected numbers can look staggering.

The New York Times

The numbers look staggering at first, but Lane Fox – who is co-founder of lastminute.com, one of the darlings of the first dotcom boom, and a non-executive director of Marks & Spencer and Channel 4 – seems oddly unfamiliar with them; if she were a government minister, you'd think she was on her second day in the job, rather than her fourth month.

The Guardian - Tech

forehand up the line that so startled Federer that he looked staggered, as if the blow had been not to the ball but to himself; he still seemed to be reeling when he double-faulted on the next point.

The New Yorker

"He had a funny look on his face, staggered back and fell to the floor.

The New York Times

But private providers are increasingly looking to stagger the release of proprietary numbers so they can charge more to high-speed traders who will pay handsomely for the zippiest feeds.Regulators are watching.

The Economist

The brave Gemma looks oddly diminished, staggering slightly as she walks, as if she had suffered a small stroke or lost an actual limb.

The New Yorker

Mr. Keene looks around at children staggering through the halls with stacks of thick books -- and sees the light.

The New York Times - Books

In the footage, he looks confused, and staggers as the police converge on him.

The New Yorker

However, because this was a fiercely proud Russian-run hospital, and because the global implications of declaring diplomacy dead are so grave, it is being made to look like it is staggering on.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Looks staggering" when you want to describe something that makes a strong visual impression, either positive or negative, often due to size, scale, or complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "Looks staggering" to describe something mundane or unimpressive. Reserve it for situations where the visual impact is truly significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Looks staggering" functions as a descriptive expression, where "looks" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "staggering". It indicates how something appears or seems based on visual assessment. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Looks staggering" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase used to describe something that appears visually impressive or overwhelming. According to Ludwig AI, it’s well-suited for conveying a strong visual impact across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While "Looks staggering" isn't extremely common, it provides a vivid and effective way to communicate scale, complexity, or surprise. Remember to reserve its usage for situations where the visual impression is truly notable to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Looks impressive

A more generic term emphasizing positive visual appeal.

Appears astonishing

Focuses on the surprise element, rather than sheer size or scale.

Looks astonishing

Emphasizes the surprise and wonder associated with the appearance.

Seems breathtaking

Emphasizes the beauty and impressiveness of something observed.

Seems astounding

Highlights the amazement and disbelief inspired by the appearance.

Appears overwhelming

Highlights the feeling of being inundated or overpowered.

Appears magnificent

Suggests a grand and imposing appearance.

Seems remarkable

Indicates that something is worthy of attention and comment.

Looks awe-inspiring

Emphasizes the feeling of reverence and respect.

Appears formidable

Focuses on inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, or capable.

FAQs

How can I use "Looks staggering" in a sentence?

You can use "Looks staggering" to describe something that visually appears overwhelming or impressive. For example, "The amount of data they collected "looks staggering"."

What are some alternatives to "Looks staggering"?

Alternatives to "Looks staggering" include "appears astonishing", "seems breathtaking", or "looks impressive". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "Looks staggering" to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "Looks staggering" can be used to describe abstract concepts, especially when emphasizing the magnitude or complexity of the concept. For instance, "The potential for abuse "looks staggering"".

What is the difference between "Looks staggering" and "Is staggering"?

"Looks staggering" indicates a visual impression, while "Is staggering" implies an actual fact or measurement. You would say "The debt "is staggering"" to state the debt's size, but "The view of the debt on the graph "looks staggering"" if you're commenting on its visual representation.