a staggering rate of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a staggering rate of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an astonishingly high speed or frequency of something, often in contexts related to statistics or changes over time. Example: "The city is experiencing a staggering rate of population growth, leading to increased demand for housing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Studies have shown a staggering rate of orders being made.

The Guardian

It's a staggering rate of destruction, but when the destruction is done, there's an ascertainable chance that the disease will have been contained.

The New York Times - Magazine

They lead the league with 28 turnovers forced — 17 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries — a staggering rate of nearly one per quarter.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite signs of economic recovery, African-Americans remain unemployed at a staggering rate of 14 percent, compared with the general rate of 7.8 percent.

The New York Times

The department's resistance and the inherent inadequacies in the original settlement have caused a staggering rate of farm failures among small-scale black farmers: three times the rate for white farmers.

The New York Times

In 2016, the number of homicides rose to 754 from 480, a staggering rate of increase that was not seen in any other of the 20 largest U.S. cities, according to the Utah study.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It was the highest-grossing film of 2014 in the UK, holds a staggering rating of 96% "fresh" on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes and has been widely praised as a pioneering example of how to mine movie gold from the most unlikely of corporate sources.

The Guardian - Film

A network of river ports, container ports, airports and highways has grown at a staggering rate (see map).Much of the delta today resembles Taiwan a generation ago, says Arthur Kroeber, an editor of the China Economic Quarterly, a research publication.

The Economist

Human brains develop at a staggering rate during the first several years of life.

Princeton University

[But] it's easier for growers to keep pumping than rein in their use". In one area of the San Joaquin Valley, Boxall reported, the "land has been sinking at the staggering rate of a foot a year". And the groundwater table has plunged 150 feet in the last 15 years.

Los Angeles Times

Talking of lambs to the slaughter, cases of female genital mutilation are being reported at the staggering rate of 500 a month, according to the latest official figures.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a staggering rate of" to emphasize a surprisingly high or rapidly increasing occurrence. This phrase adds impact and draws attention to significant changes or statistics.

Common error

While effective, avoid using "a staggering rate of" excessively in casual writing. Overusing it can diminish its impact, making your writing sound hyperbolic or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a staggering rate of" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that the rate being discussed is surprisingly high or impressive. Ludwig shows that it is commonly used to highlight significant increases or quantities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a staggering rate of" is a descriptive noun phrase used to emphasize a surprisingly high or rapidly increasing rate. Ludwig AI confirms that it's considered grammatically correct. It is commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. To maintain impact, avoid overusing the phrase in informal writing. Consider alternatives like "an astonishing pace of" or "a remarkable degree of" to vary your language while retaining the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an astonishing pace of

This phrase replaces "staggering" with "astonishing" and "rate" with "pace", conveying a similar sense of surprise at the speed of something.

a remarkable degree of

This shifts the focus from speed to the extent or magnitude of something that is impressive or noteworthy.

an overwhelming amount of

Replaces 'rate' with 'amount', focusing on the sheer quantity and its impact.

an unexpectedly high level of

Substitutes "staggering rate" with a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the surprise element and the high quantity.

a surprisingly large number of

Replaces "rate" with "number", emphasizing the quantity and its unexpected size.

an alarming surge in

Highlights the sudden and concerning increase in something, replacing "rate" with "surge".

a breathtaking velocity of

This alternative uses the word "velocity", conveying high speed in a dramatic way.

an exponential increase in

This alternative focuses on a rapid, accelerating growth pattern.

a meteoric rise in

This alternative describes a rapid and impressive increase, similar to a meteor's quick and bright appearance.

a dramatic escalation of

This phrase emphasizes the significant increase in intensity or severity of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a staggering rate of" to describe a surprisingly high or rapidly increasing occurrence. For instance, "The city is experiencing "a staggering rate of" population growth."

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

You can use alternatives such as "an astonishing pace of", "a remarkable degree of", or "an overwhelming amount of" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a staggering rate of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing the significance of statistical data or trends. Ensure the context supports the impactful nature of the phrase.

What's the difference between "a staggering rate of" and "a high rate of"?

"A staggering rate of" implies a sense of surprise or disbelief at the magnitude or speed of something, whereas "a high rate of" simply indicates a considerable amount without necessarily conveying astonishment.