a staggering performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a staggering performance" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a performance that is exceptional or impressive in its magnitude, impact, or difficulty. Example: The ballet dancer put on a staggering performance, effortlessly executing difficult jumps and turns with grace and precision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Where does such a staggering performance come from?

The Guardian - Sport

But the finest festival moments are often the unexpected ones, and for me Green Man's is a staggering performance by Richard Dawson in the Walled Garden.

The Guardian - Music

The Mississippi-born Ruffin delivers a staggering performance, lunging at the song and its tolling bell of a melody without ever losing control.

The Guardian - Music

Principally, this is because she managed to attract Paul Dano as her lead: he gives a staggering performance, a bleary-eyed deadbeat who is also intensely vulnerable.

The Guardian - Film

For a boy of 25 it was a staggering performance, deft and touching and every bit as compelling as those of Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher.

The Guardian - Film

Late last month the pianist Peter Serkin gave a staggering performance of Stefan Wolpe's gritty and visionary 1936 Passacaglia for piano as part of an all-Wolpe concert at the 92nd Street Y.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The following afternoon, Thomas Quasthoff gave an equally staggering performance, at Alice Tully Hall, and he offered his own approach to crowd control.

The New Yorker

While the most acute real estate challenge is to find office and rehearsal space, performance sites are also in short supply, arts administrators say, although it has usually been possible to avert a crisis by staggering performance schedules and through other creative juggling.

The New York Times

There's a school of thought that contends the MP4-12C's relentless overall excellence somehow diminishes the emotional experience of driving, that despite the staggering performance it is a soulless Stepford supercar.

The New York Times

The new McLaren is far more rational, which has given rise to some criticism, Mr. Dyer points out: "There's a school of thought that contends the MP4-12C's relentless overall excellence somehow diminishes the emotional experience of driving, that despite the staggering performance it is a soulless Stepford supercar".

The New York Times

The staggering performance is by Ms. Mearns: a merry jet of force, a laughing gale.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a staggering performance" to emphasize the magnitude or surprising nature of an achievement. It is particularly effective when highlighting an unexpected level of skill or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a staggering performance" to describe ordinary or commonplace events. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the performance genuinely exceeds expectations or is notably impressive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a staggering performance" functions as a noun phrase, where "staggering" is an adjective modifying the noun "performance". It serves to emphasize the exceptional quality or impact of a particular action or event. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

25%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a staggering performance" is a grammatically correct and powerful phrase used to describe an event or action that is exceptionally impressive or surprising. Ludwig's analysis, along with numerous examples from authoritative sources, reveals that this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Arts contexts. While the frequency is uncommon, it effectively conveys admiration or astonishment when appropriately used. To avoid misuse, it's best reserved for events that genuinely exceed expectations. As Ludwig AI confirmed, the phrase is versatile for both formal and informal settings; it’s essential to align its usage with the tone of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an astonishing performance

Replaces "staggering" with "astonishing", indicating great surprise and wonder.

an outstanding performance

Substitutes "staggering" with "outstanding", emphasizing the exceptional quality of the performance.

an extraordinary performance

Replaces "staggering" with "extraordinary", highlighting the performance's deviation from the ordinary.

an exceptional performance

Changes "staggering" to "exceptional", focusing on the performance being above the norm.

a remarkable performance

Uses "remarkable" instead of "staggering" to convey the performance's memorability and worthiness of attention.

an incredible performance

Substitutes "staggering" with "incredible", denoting a performance difficult to believe.

an awe-inspiring performance

Replaces "staggering" with "awe-inspiring", stressing the performance's ability to evoke profound respect and wonder.

a prodigious performance

Uses "prodigious" instead of "staggering" suggesting remarkable or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.

a stunning display

Shifts from "performance" to "display" and replaces "staggering" with "stunning", emphasizing visual impact.

a masterful execution

Replaces both "staggering" and "performance" to emphasize skill and precision in carrying out an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a staggering performance" to describe an exceptional act or achievement. For example, "The athlete delivered "a staggering performance" at the Olympics, breaking three world records".

What are some alternatives to "a staggering performance"?

Alternatives include "an astonishing performance", "an outstanding performance", or "an extraordinary performance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a staggering performance"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something was surprisingly or remarkably impressive. Reserve it for achievements that truly stand out.

Is "a staggering performance" formal or informal?

The phrase "a staggering performance" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's important to ensure that its usage aligns with the tone and register of the situation.