a staggering amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a staggering amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the large quantity of something, often in a surprising or overwhelming context. Example: "The charity received a staggering amount of donations during the fundraising event, exceeding all expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's simply a staggering amount of snow.

The Washington Post

They found a staggering amount of variation.

Nature

They make together a staggering amount of noise.

The New Yorker

It was a staggering amount of work to curate.

The New York Times

A staggering amount of money is spent on carp angling.

The New York Times - Sports

Every year, psychologists publish a staggering amount of research — it's impossible to read it all.

The New Yorker

Inception also contains a staggering amount of exposition, breathlessly gabbled by the cast between action sequences.

Independent

Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said the betting ring was handling a "staggering amount of money".

The New York Times

There will be live music, street entertainment and a staggering amount of liquorice-based foodstuffs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is a staggering amount of work and consistency that no one else is pulling off.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

China and Arab countries have a staggering amount of treasury securities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a staggering amount of", ensure that the context supports the emphasis. The quantity should be genuinely notable or unexpected to justify the use of this strong expression.

Common error

Avoid using "a staggering amount of" for ordinary quantities or in situations where the amount is not particularly surprising. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a staggering amount of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, emphasizing a significant quantity. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used to express surprise or disbelief at the magnitude of something. It serves to amplify the quantity being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a staggering amount of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a surprisingly large quantity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. While it's suitable for general use, consider using more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. Remember to reserve this phrase for quantities that genuinely evoke surprise to maintain its impact and avoid overuse. This ensures that when you describe something as "a staggering amount of", it truly conveys the intended sense of astonishment or magnitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an immense quantity of

Emphasizes the vastness in quantity; more formal than "a staggering amount of".

a vast quantity of

Similar to "immense quantity", but slightly less formal.

a tremendous volume of

Highlights the size or capacity; suitable for tangible items or data.

a monumental quantity of

Implies a significance beyond just quantity; suitable for important or historical contexts.

an extraordinary number of

Focuses on the unusual or exceptional nature of the quantity.

an overwhelming amount of

Highlights the feeling of being overburdened or surpassed by the quantity.

a striking quantity of

Highlights the noteworthiness or impressiveness of the quantity.

a considerable quantity of

Indicates a notable quantity that is worth considering, without being extreme.

an excessive amount of

Focuses on the surplus or unnecessary nature of the quantity.

a profuse amount of

Implies an abundance or extravagance; often used in literary or descriptive contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a staggering amount of" in a sentence?

Use "a staggering amount of" to describe something present in surprisingly large quantities. For example, "The museum possesses "a staggering amount of" ancient artifacts".

What are some alternatives to "a staggering amount of"?

You can use alternatives like "an immense quantity of", "a tremendous volume of", or "an extraordinary number of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a staggering amount of" in formal writing?

While "a staggering amount of" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "a considerable quantity of" or "a substantial number of" may be preferred in highly formal or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "a staggering amount of" and "a large amount of"?

"A staggering amount of" implies a quantity so large that it is surprising or overwhelming, whereas "a large amount of" simply indicates that the quantity is greater than average. The former carries a stronger sense of amazement or disbelief.